Rook and Pawn Endgames - (Endgame Theory)

 

Rook and Pawn Endgame Resources

Since the most common Endgames are Rook and Pawn here are the links I have found to help one learn them.

Tarrasch Rule Wikipedia page - explaining the "rule" that rooks should be placed behind passed pawns with reasons, illustrations and exceptions.

Books (Free)

Internet Archive
Comprehensive Chess Endings - Volume 5: Rook Endings - 333 Pages PDF/Kindle

Basic Endgames - FREE Chessable Course  - Nice Section on Rook Endgames Here. (A Free 181 endgames in total)

Rook & Pawn Endgame ARTICLES

Rook vs Pawn Endgames: 8 Must-Know Concepts - GM Gabuzyan on Lichess Blog - discusses essential concepts for mastering Rook vs Pawn endgames in chess. These endgames are crucial due to their complexity and frequency in games. The article covers eight key concepts

Rook and Pawn Endgame Video Lessons

Rook Endgames - 6 Video Playlist -  80 Min - GM Sune Berg Hansen - Endgame Masterclass

 a) Fundamental Rook Endgames

•         Rook Endgames Crash Course - Rook & Pawn Endings - 24 Min NM Lopez - The video covers fundamental concepts, key positions, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid. It's a must-watch for both beginners and intermediate players looking to improve their endgame skills.
  
  
•         Top Four Instructive Rook Endgames Everyone Should Know - 30 Min IM - Kavutskiy Chess Dojo - shares four essential rook endgames that every chess player should master. The video provides clear and instructive commentary on key positions and strategies, making complex concepts accessible to players of all levels. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their endgame skills in chess
  
  
•          GM Sam Shankland: Rook Endgames | U.S. Chess School 05.09.2022 - 49 Min -  in-depth lesson on rook endgames, focusing on key strategies and techniques. The video is part of the U.S. Chess School's training program for America's most promising junior players. Shankland's engaging teaching style and emphasis on the importance of thinking order make this video a valuable resource for improving endgame skills.
  
  
•   Rook and Pawn Endgames with GM Ben Finegold - 55 Min - St.Louis CC - discusses five different games related to rook and pawn endgames.
  
  
• Theoretical Rook Endings: Understanding 'Long Side' vs 'Short Side' - 10 Min - Im Andras Toth  -       In this video, we'll demystify the 'Long Side' vs 'Short Side' theory, equipping you with essential knowledge to conquer rook endgames like a seasoned master.

(GM Alex Ipatov  -  Rook Endgame Lessons)

•          Learn the Philidor Position | Fundamental Rook Endgames - 8 Min 
  
  
•          Learn the Lucena Position | Fundamental Rook Endgames - 5 Min
  
  
•          The Long Side/Short Side Principle in Rook Endgames - 12 Min 
  
  
•          Don't miss this important Rook Endgame Technique - 7 Min 
  
  
•          How the Skewer can decide your Rook Endgame - 8 Min 
  
  
•          Know your Rook Endgame Technique | Basic Rook Endings - 9 Min 
  
  
•          Improve your Endgame Play with this instructive Mastergame - 9 Min 
  
  
•          How to play the Rook Endgame with Doubled Pawns - 9 Min 
  
  
•          Forcing your Opponent to a draw with the Vancura Position 7 Min 
  
  
•          Remember the Cheron Position in Rook and Pawn Endgames 10 Min 
  
  
•          Important Cheron Positions in Rook and Pawn Endgames | - 13 Min
  
  
•          Attack both Flanks at the same Time! | Important Rook Endgame      Principles - 11 Min
  
  
•          Activate your King to win the Endgame - 4 Min - explains key principles for activating the king in rook endgames. The video emphasizes the importance of the king's role in endgames and provides practical examples to illustrate these concepts.
  
  
•          Bring your Rook behind the passed Pawn - 7 Min

   Robert Plunkets Lab    

•           How to win 90% of rook and pawn endgames - 12 Min -Robert Plunketts lab - explains practical strategies and techniques to master rook and pawn endgames. The video provides clear examples and tips to help viewers improve their endgame skills and avoid common mistakes. I
  
  
•          How to go active with your rook in rook and pawn endgames - 10 Min - Robert Plunketts lab - strategies for activating your rook in rook and pawn endgames. The video provides practical examples and tips to help viewers improve their endgame skills.
  
  
•           When to put your rook behind passed pawns - 10 Min - Robert Plunketts lab - explains the strategic importance of placing your rook behind passed pawns in chess endgames. He provides practical examples and insights to help viewers understand when and why this technique is effective.

        

 b) Other Rook Endgames 

• Capablanca’s Endgame Rule | Chess Endings - 22 Min NM Ramirez - explains Capablanca's endgame rule and its application in chess endings. The video provides practical examples and strategies to help players improve their endgame skills. 
  
  
• Rooks: Don't be a Tempo Behind - 58 Min GM Moridiabadi - St.Louis CC - complex rook endgames derived from real games. The video provides valuable insights and strategies for navigating these difficult positions.
  
  
• Akiba Rubinstein's Rook Endgames | Insane in the Endgame - 65 Min GM Dariusz - showcases notable rook endgames by Akiba Rubinstein. Rubinstein innovated several endgame concepts that have been endorsed by chess engines a century later.
  
  
• Rook Endgames - GM Josh Friedel 48 Min - St. Louis CC- He explains key concepts, such as "Building a Bridge," to help players understand and master rook endgames. The video is highly recommended for its clear explanations and valuable insights.
  
  
• Rook & Passed Pawn Endgames - 24 Min - St.Louis CC - explains how to effectively use your rook to support a passed pawn. The lecture covers key strategies and techniques to ensure your rook is optimally placed and not rendered ineffective. 
  
  
• Level Up Your Chess #5: Rook Endgames with GM Arturs Neiksans - 71 Min - GM Arturs Neiksans shares his insights on mastering rook endgames. The video covers essential strategies and techniques to improve your endgame skills. 
  
  
• Important Rook Endgames that No One Understands | Endgame Class - NM Caleb Denby - 57 min - St.Louis CC - inspired by Mark Dvoretsky's Endgame Manual, explains complex rook endgame concepts for intermediate players.
  
  
• More Important Rook Endgames that No One Understands | Endgame Class - NM Caleb Denby - 56 Min - St.Louis CC - continues his exploration of complex rook endgames. He delves into scenarios where the passed pawn is behind its own rook, providing valuable insights and strategies.
  
  
• Endgames: Rook themes - 63 Min - a lesson on various rook endgame themes for participants of the World Online School Chess Tournament. The video covers essential concepts and strategies to help players improve their understanding and execution of rook endgames.

Endgame Study: Saavedra Position - 4 min Video
Endgame Study: Philidor Position - 8 min Video

Checking Distance in Rook Endings - 11 min Video -  illustrates the concept of "Checking Distance" in rook endgames. The video also touches on the Lucena Position, providing valuable insights for mastering these endgames
2nd Rank Stalemate Trap in Rook Endings - 10 min Video -  elaborates on a specific, rare tactical theme that allows Black to draw a seemingly lost position. The video provides a detailed explanation of the 2nd rank stalemate trap in rook endgames.
Gregoriev's Combined Method - 11 Min Video (This method is applicable for c,d,e,f pawns that have not yet reached the 5th rank, where the defender's king is cut off at least 2 files and the defender's rook is defending via frontal attack. )

The Five Minute Rook Endgame Test - 12 Min  (His 5 Min at end explanations are worth the watch alone)

Understanding Rook Endgames 1) Piece Activity - 10 Min Video - explains the importance of piece activity in rook endgames.
Understanding Rook Endgames 2) Creating Weakness - 6 Min Video - explains how to create weaknesses in rook endgames. The video provides practical examples and strategies to help players improve their endgame skills.