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Basic Endgame Strategy

Basic Mates - King & Queen & Rook v. King

Since Queens can move just as Rooks do, a Queen and Rook working together can mate a lone King in the same manner as Two Rooks. However, the Queen’s added mobility allows for much quicker mates. Since the Queen controls not only ranks and files but also diagonals, she can protect the Rook as they both move up the board, eliminating the need for the Rook to switch to the opposite side of the board when the enemy King approaches. Click here for a demonstration, with commentary.

There is also a quick Queen and Rook mating technique which Pandolfini calls the “Queen and Rook Roll.” It’s best understood by simply seeing it in action: click here for a demonstration, with commentary.

It’s important to avoid accidentally giving stalemate: click here for a demonstration of how this can occur.

Next: Basic Mates - King & Queen v. King