Rook Endgames – Endgame Course Syllabus

This syllabus page outlines the rook endgame techniques taught in the course. For explanations, examples, and related training material, use the Endgame Hub →

Core Rook Endgame Positions

• When the Lucena bridge is not needed – examples
• Lucena Position – Example #1
• Lucena Position – Example #2
• Lucena Position – Example #3
• Philidor Defensive Position – Example #1
• Philidor Defensive Position – Example #2
• Vancura Defensive Position – Example #1
• Vancura Defensive Position – Example #2 (Carlsen vs Aronian, 2014)
• Frontal Defence Position

Practical Rook & Pawn Endgame Themes

• Rooks belong behind passed pawns
• Cutting off the enemy king
• Active rook versus passive rook
• Shouldering in rook and pawn endgames
• Outflanking techniques
• Drawing techniques with minimal material

Model Rook Endgames (Selected)

• 779 Cs – Rook on the 7th rank and aggressive king – Capablanca vs Tartakower
• 440 Cs – Restrictive rook move Ra6 enables gradual progress – Rubinstein vs Lasker
• 161 Cs – Torture pressure in rook and pawn endgame – Spielmann vs Rubinstein
• 70 Cs – Double rook endgame simplifies into lost K+P ending – Capablanca vs Shipley
• 43 Cs – Even Fischer can slip up in rook and pawn endgames – Fischer vs Benko