Queen endings · advanced
Queen vs rook
Use checks and forks to separate the rook from its king.
The rule
Each queen check should also improve your king or attack the rook.
How to play it
- 1
Centralize the queen
Use forcing checks that reduce the rook’s safe squares.
- 2
Approach with the king
Use the queen as a shield from distant rook checks.
- 3
Find the fork
Check on a line that also attacks the loose rook.
Study the line, then play it
Step through the example. Then play your moves from the same position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Move 0 of 3
Starting position
Play through the line one move at a time.
Before you play
Moves to calculate
- 1.Check the king
- 2.Read any rook interposition
- 3.Choose the next fork
Check each reply because
Queen checks are forcing, but the rook can interpose or countercheck.
Stop when
Verify both enemy pieces after every check before choosing the next fork.
Common mistake
Checking forever without improving the king repeats the position.
Win the rook and deliver checkmate.
Start with a comfortable clock. Reduce it when the position feels familiar. Your record is 0/0.