Exercise 2.1Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
2
Practical Rook Endgames · Kapilash Chess Academy
Rooks Behind Passed Pawns
The Tarrasch rule
In this lesson you will learn
- The Tarrasch rule: rooks belong behind passed pawns
- Why a rook in front of its own pawn is passive
- Using the rook from behind as a defender
- When to break the rule
Every board on this page is live. Move the pieces by tapping or dragging, click any move in the lines to see that position, and press ↺ to start again.
2.1 Behind, Not in Front
Siegbert Tarrasch gave the most famous rule of rook endings: rooks belong behind passed pawns — your own and the opponent's. A rook behind its own pawn gains activity as the pawn advances. A rook behind an enemy pawn attacks it more and more as it moves forward. A rook in front of its own pawn is tied down and passive.
Diagram 2.1White to move
Example 2.1 · The rook in front
White's rook stands in front of its own pawn on a7. Black's rook attacks the pawn from behind.
This is a theoretical draw. White's rook cannot leave a8, because then the pawn falls. If White's king walks towards the pawn, Black checks it from behind or the side. Black's king shuttles between g7 and h7, where it is safe from a skewer. Tarrasch's rule in action: the rook in front of the pawn is passive.
Diagram 2.2Black to move
Example 2.2 · Behind the pawn as a defender
White's pawn is on d7, one step from queening. Black to move.
1...♖d1! puts the rook behind the pawn and wins it. A rook behind an enemy pawn gets stronger as the pawn advances, because the pawn needs protection at every step.
ExceptionThe rule has exceptions: sometimes a rook in front of the pawn is right because it also cuts off the enemy king. But when in doubt, put the rook behind the passed pawn.
Remember
- Rooks belong behind passed pawns — your own and the opponent's.
- A rook in front of its own pawn is passive.
- A rook behind an enemy pawn attacks it more as it advances.
- When you defend, look for a way to get behind the pawn.
Exercises · Lesson 2
Every exercise has been checked with a chess engine: exactly one move keeps the best result. Find it and play it on the board.
Exercise 2.2Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.3Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.4Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.5Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.6Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.7Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.8Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.9Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.
Exercise 2.10Find the move
Black to move
Black to move and draw.