Queen versus rook
• Always wins against a lone rook, unless there
is an immediate draw (perpetual check /
stalemate)
• Long known – great piece of chess history –
thought to be an easy win
• Computers changed that -= difficult win
against accurate play
Method
• Force rook back into a third-rank defence
• Reaching the Philidor position from a second
rank defence
• Winning the rook / forcing mate
Queen versus Rook
• Famous position
analysed by Philidor
(1777)
• Win for white, when
black to move
• How to achieve black to
move?
• How to win Rook and
force a win?
second rank-defence
second rank-defence
third rank defence
• M. Euwe (1958)
Beware – draw via stalemate
• D. Ponziani (1782)
Saavedra Position
• White to move and win!