Rook and Bishop Versus Rook Endgame

Rook And Bishop Versus Rook Endgame

The winning method is as follows:

1. Rf8+! Re8

2. Rf7!

threatening to switch the rook to the other side and checkmate.

2. ... Re2

This is the best place for the black rook. Alternatives are: (a) 2...Re3 3. Rd7+ Ke8 4. Ra7 Kf8 5. Rf7+ Ke8 6. Rf4 Kd8 7. Be4 wins; (b) 2...Re1 and Whites wins similarly to the main line; and (c) 2...Kc8 3. Ra7 Rd8+ 4. Kc6 Kb8 5. Rb7+ Ka8 6. Rb1 Ka7 7. Kc7 and White wins.

3. Rh7 Re1

4. Rb7

The winning line only works if the white rook is on b7 or f7.

4. ...Rc1

Or 4...Kc8 5.Ra7 Rb1 6.Rf7 Kb8 7.Rf8+ Ka7 8.Ra8+ Kb6 (White wins because the chessboard has only eight files.) 9.Rb8+.

5. Bb3

This is the key idea. It forces the black rook to the inferior third rank while preventing 5...Rd1+. Black is in zugzwang.

5. ... Rc3

If instead 5...Kc8 then 6.Rb4 Kd8 7.Rf4 Re1 (or 7...Kc8 8.Bd5 Kb8 9.Ra4) 8.Ba4 Kc8 9.Bc6 Rd1+ 10.Bd5 Kb8 11.Ra4. Now White completes the following maneuvers, getting the bishop back to d5 with gain of tempo.

6. Be6 Rd3+

7. Bd5! Rc3

8. Rd7+ Kc8

If 8...Ke8 then 9.Rg7 and checkmate on g8 next move, else loss of rook since the bishop covers f3.

9. Rh7 Kb8

10. Rb7+ Kc8

11. Rb4 Kd8

If 11...Rd3 12.Ra4 and checkmate or loss of rook since the bishop covers b3.

12. Bc4

Stopping the check on d3 and cutting off the rook entirely.

12. ... Kc8

13. Be6+ Kd8

14. Rb8+

and checkmate next move (Müller & Pajeken 2008:178), (Howell 1997:148–50), (Nunn 2007:163–64).

This is an exercise in domination of the king.

This method works if the kings are on the central four ranks or files. It does not work if the kings are on the rank or file next to the edge – those positions are a theoretical draw, but difficult to defend. If the kings are on a rank or file on the edge of the board the position is a win, but by a different method (de la Villa 2008:211–13).