Rook + Pawn vs. Bishop + Pawn (Part I)
by Dorian Rogozenco
Video introduction
With this issue, Dorian Rogozenco starts a new series on the material distribution rook and pawn against bishop and pawn. In the first fortress motif, Black has placed his bishop on f6 and his pawn on g6, while the white pawn stands on g2, g3 or g4.
The white king has no way of putting pressure on the black king or attacking the opponent's pawn. But perhaps something can be done with the help of the rook? How should the defender respond if the rook gives a check on the seventh rank? The answer is that the black king must go to g8 (or f8) to keep control of the f7 square. Now what should be done if White now activates his king with Kf4? Here, Black must move his king again, this time to f8 (or g8). The bishop must remain on f6 to control the e5 and g5 squares.
If the white king now moves on to e4, the bishop can move to any square on the long diagonal a1-h8 where it cannot be captured. Be careful: with the white pawn on g4 or g5, the g7 square is off limits, because White can then sacrifice the exchange with Rxg7 to reach a winning pawn endgame! Black’s defensive pattern remains unchanged even if the white king moves closer to its counterpart with Kd5 and Ke6: as long as the bishop remains on the long diagonal, the white king cannot reach the black pawn on g6.
And then there is another trick you should know:
the attacker can force this position and offer a rook sacrifice by playing Rf6. But here too, Black remains cool and simply protects the pawn with ...Kg7.
Dorian Rogozenco explains all the details of the fortress motif in his introductory video and also offers a video on the fundamental endgame rook versus bishop (without pawns) and a total of six interactive training videos. Enjoy!
Interactive videos
Find the only move that will allow Black to build the fortress!
How can White to move prevent the fortress building and win the game?
Where should White's king move after the check on the second rank?
The endgame Rook vs. Bishop (without pawns)
Video introduction
Interactive videos
Where must White's king move to secure the draw?
How would you defend here with Black to move?
What should Black play: …Kd8 or …Kf8?