--- title: Endgame Bootcamp 14 description: Another Rook and Pawn Ending image: https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=-i3zCXmAmeCD.webp&w=880&sig=0cc1ab671d45a0802e7459bed1b3c9c6276509ff --- ### **Endgame Bootcamp 1: [Camp](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp/3VXJL7wB)[Addendum](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/re-endgame-bootcamp/wwQMDWSN)** ### **Endgame Bootcamp 2: [Part 1](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-2-part-1/aIDD7Y1x)[Part 2](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-2-part-2/JpPkX8Cz)** [Part 3](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-2-part-3/2gYhPqvg) [Part 4](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-2-part-4/c0fIh3Nl) ### **Endgame Bootcamp: [3 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-3/rmBsa8wO)[4 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-part-4/khakVb8y)[5 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-5/hiJT379m)[6 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-6-letting-wins-slip/BKRmqj1o)[7 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-7-mating-nets/5fAWVCTm)[8 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-8-exploring-a-draw/tYYs0Y0z)[9 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-9-two-rook-and-pawn-endings/MsUN2HUV)[10 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-10/cG9ffgdS)[11 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-11/zH9vbSRT)[12 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-12/M0rlUB3k)[13 ](https://lichess.org/@/Mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-13/i6FuAoar)[14](https://lichess.org/@/mradsomer/blog/endgame-bootcamp-14/fghAyh2D)** ## Warming Up ### Mate in 7 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfE8E69t43mrpWR0L8WXRgIQovgjLWbfGaLgvoQE0ytsNRiGd18akAfqxVY7mzeG4kjYoSw0b-aEaEktGtwvJ9qQsD-Q1nJxOL_7DOOKpn3hyw30LNN4jRImzmOuxDC9nTWduA9lvJU3B4TLWZoJaE42XmHngUlZlqXyHRQHLZ-c9P7xpjo_ZaaB0hcZ0=w320-h317)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfE8E69t43mrpWR0L8WXRgIQovgjLWbfGaLgvoQE0ytsNRiGd18akAfqxVY7mzeG4kjYoSw0b-aEaEktGtwvJ9qQsD-Q1nJxOL_7DOOKpn3hyw30LNN4jRImzmOuxDC9nTWduA9lvJU3B4TLWZoJaE42XmHngUlZlqXyHRQHLZ-c9P7xpjo_ZaaB0hcZ0) ## We're diving into another rook and pawn ending! Black to move.... ## [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiL4HzER6I8qqjXKSRAi98PXFIBfNsLcYQpf10XTrcfaj0xu3AX-bDZJpkmfgmK-YJWeHqg_K49mUzy8FIzWU7-8sPWpVSK0rbhbthGkiiL6pJGoGj72pAaZni5zqNOtPJfnCEppyeAHX4uRDNTNCXJacHQRkljiQO1TsDGZcWrPGFzTQtLAQvct1Qy-RA=w320-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6R9JK1kUMgkSNJ3lEFe9xe7RV2rcyaSi5HGXlaJYXvD0amtSuV9GnBTrAdmE2KQUOjHt4t7qh0UCp3QrzBrzt95oZeydi9Qffn300pGhgVX466-lzSrqQ3D1y-7kAWYCPcQINvuSWx9nGf1xjBUKqOfCoBWgu3LLY74rMRnMLRMLc1sqYtOfgL9Uagrk)First Looks: A common technique is to get your Rook in front of a passed pawn, then be able to deliver a check with the rook after your pawn has reached the 2nd or 7th rank. Black has the ability to do so in this position with Ra1. White can attempt to prolong Black's liquidation desires. If only we could obtain an ending with our Rook against all of White's pawns.... Alternatively, White wants to use the idea of placing their rook behind the a pawn that Black is planning to promote. This first section is scratching the surface of ideas in the Endgame, so not necessarily always "best" moves, but the job gets done. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYkBjayiWnZ0yB7CtdNY5HI4hOBt8gFVoEXYWMHs76wlfX0j658hBb7QxTjF980W_d2cR7wZWwiw2Le4XB_L9g6CD1OlH66IVl22F-qDsyEa9xbAO4g3EkqyzKG60C-ptVd8JrpDaTVFGRPKVh_9NsKQvc5NhUH6CqCDT37sPtABHqi50QbNU8EwqBEeE=w320-h318)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgYkBjayiWnZ0yB7CtdNY5HI4hOBt8gFVoEXYWMHs76wlfX0j658hBb7QxTjF980W_d2cR7wZWwiw2Le4XB_L9g6CD1OlH66IVl22F-qDsyEa9xbAO4g3EkqyzKG60C-ptVd8JrpDaTVFGRPKVh_9NsKQvc5NhUH6CqCDT37sPtABHqi50QbNU8EwqBEeE) Rc8+ Kg7 Ra8 a2![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTWcCkbQS7e36kZ5VePUY7cehE7NsH8VzEMMcdlL9uQnAI-bXJ6s5Bl9RhvG_1wNUkj4aTY91Sqj2Tw93ElgNLddtWToXU21BOtmJ3x0gHdh3k1ykswQje-I6bfsQBebkCEfX3RTgrQAs0UmfuuNFF3b8XbH3oM2QnaZlIGNNuvWwrP7trZeOdv9GaVgE=w317-h320) Keep in mind that wherever the White King steps, Black's rook will be able to check, followed by the Queen appearing on a1. White will take on a1 with their rook allowing us the dream ending where our heavy piece does all the lifting for us, and we can mate with just King and rook, unless we are able to promote one of our many remaining pawns to assist with mate. If d5 Re1+ Kf2 a1=Q Rxa1 Rxa1 Understand Black is close enough to stop the White d pawn from promoting. The White King is poorly positioned to assist any of their pawns. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6R9JK1kUMgkSNJ3lEFe9xe7RV2rcyaSi5HGXlaJYXvD0amtSuV9GnBTrAdmE2KQUOjHt4t7qh0UCp3QrzBrzt95oZeydi9Qffn300pGhgVX466-lzSrqQ3D1y-7kAWYCPcQINvuSWx9nGf1xjBUKqOfCoBWgu3LLY74rMRnMLRMLc1sqYtOfgL9Uagrk=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTWcCkbQS7e36kZ5VePUY7cehE7NsH8VzEMMcdlL9uQnAI-bXJ6s5Bl9RhvG_1wNUkj4aTY91Sqj2Tw93ElgNLddtWToXU21BOtmJ3x0gHdh3k1ykswQje-I6bfsQBebkCEfX3RTgrQAs0UmfuuNFF3b8XbH3oM2QnaZlIGNNuvWwrP7trZeOdv9GaVgE) d6 Ra8 Ke3 Kf8 Kd4 Ke8 Kc5 Kd7 Now we fend off any pawns advancing with our own, excluding g4 which is met by Ra5, and use the rook to scoop up White's pawns. We can also squeeze the White King into a corner or edge of the board for mate. Let's look at g4 by White: [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd-6ioj1s3tPCTTxUltrjmSg4ANU2T5cffmtMEKp5Gd0h0j3XG_mTjh5XA-VsLD70y87WuIMXKqj6v6_QasV2r48QZuoNyQ_sGQ8jbWp_XJHqMGxhO5ftQ0T5NSqU901qy23gO5CwnYXfS4iQm0RO5H2zs0lO-Dxx2YYGgSeLkkWC0B1XHT7FflzCR-yg=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd-6ioj1s3tPCTTxUltrjmSg4ANU2T5cffmtMEKp5Gd0h0j3XG_mTjh5XA-VsLD70y87WuIMXKqj6v6_QasV2r48QZuoNyQ_sGQ8jbWp_XJHqMGxhO5ftQ0T5NSqU901qy23gO5CwnYXfS4iQm0RO5H2zs0lO-Dxx2YYGgSeLkkWC0B1XHT7FflzCR-yg) Ra5+ Kb6 loses because the White King voluntarily walks the plank. Plenty of options for Black to proceed with a long mate. Below is one [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo1iX60etuHtSm7Zd3j7fkSW2fKdDk9Ceu1nOzfwkHsBTRce1b7oxx90PoSgjBs62mB99ezyu1FzQ2qoD1ODy_3E-6dqlOIBlloJ7ALlpaqfCe0LYWbbdLmW3UODnPN2Bl_WAeA5g-r5Lfq-cWfSxNJXXr8aPGXDX7xs-Wr6sorH01ffI6MStSvkTYYi0=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo1iX60etuHtSm7Zd3j7fkSW2fKdDk9Ceu1nOzfwkHsBTRce1b7oxx90PoSgjBs62mB99ezyu1FzQ2qoD1ODy_3E-6dqlOIBlloJ7ALlpaqfCe0LYWbbdLmW3UODnPN2Bl_WAeA5g-r5Lfq-cWfSxNJXXr8aPGXDX7xs-Wr6sorH01ffI6MStSvkTYYi0) Rd5 Ka6 Kc6 d7 Kc7 d8=Q+ Kxd8 because the King taking the new Queen and not the rook keeps White cut off from crossing the river that is the 5th rank. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibsK4TxFlfxjP7agFz1Y33e2ev-2Wi21bBCNGFiFgCJ8fQsxgC_HlHmqQlDpBpD5k6AZMsgp-vwN6VlvXogUC2xiWpekh1McD6AI90Ql-VeE8DvKW4ZpIIT3FmfTms30qOC5FkXNIqdZRjIJ8jQsa-_phXpjlzM4TqOq83XvAyGhhZSidJcrEBH1UN50w=w320-h318)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibsK4TxFlfxjP7agFz1Y33e2ev-2Wi21bBCNGFiFgCJ8fQsxgC_HlHmqQlDpBpD5k6AZMsgp-vwN6VlvXogUC2xiWpekh1McD6AI90Ql-VeE8DvKW4ZpIIT3FmfTms30qOC5FkXNIqdZRjIJ8jQsa-_phXpjlzM4TqOq83XvAyGhhZSidJcrEBH1UN50w) Another variation: Rd5 Kb7 h6 g5 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6F11KwaqUogX-yK51Ewv9VdnreUhB10Qva-I5cEzPgggmAvJbp92XSPKHvEhogKqyQBAaa2gUcF2MviOgb_VIdteZlnbtuHfhqQGoCiC_PZSx8Qpzs-YBEy3UVlV-5avVI_ueBA7UxrD0E2t_xUQLuX24qOcxs_f4LX0OWYNyr8cvvj3Shjv7I3kJbKM=w317-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6F11KwaqUogX-yK51Ewv9VdnreUhB10Qva-I5cEzPgggmAvJbp92XSPKHvEhogKqyQBAaa2gUcF2MviOgb_VIdteZlnbtuHfhqQGoCiC_PZSx8Qpzs-YBEy3UVlV-5avVI_ueBA7UxrD0E2t_xUQLuX24qOcxs_f4LX0OWYNyr8cvvj3Shjv7I3kJbKM) h5 f5 exf5 e6+ fxe6 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH5bIm3n_aah3sRWkbhaWbQuHUpWC-0kG47EjP9-Svm7joS5stsek9mBYOXUo_e2eP6Plzf6acrfQLtiPIleuoWHpm3Rvw2ZoIzxphCiU8q5fCbSKYLy02Luh4uB1oxY2RDwN5HHLJCkWqGEpSsWFpfWrZS2j-rWNsZrfcnjPq6-PnDXLau8GQsvQQuPM=w320-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH5bIm3n_aah3sRWkbhaWbQuHUpWC-0kG47EjP9-Svm7joS5stsek9mBYOXUo_e2eP6Plzf6acrfQLtiPIleuoWHpm3Rvw2ZoIzxphCiU8q5fCbSKYLy02Luh4uB1oxY2RDwN5HHLJCkWqGEpSsWFpfWrZS2j-rWNsZrfcnjPq6-PnDXLau8GQsvQQuPM) Kb8 Rxd6 Kb7 Rc6 Kb8 Rc7 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Dgve_H8xk5-PZJB4MNcSMOACsF5W8MiH48JJrrUxVpEBkoJIdMv8s6RIVGfH-gMX9FSXGEcVgsNacaKjSd-lmp5SmSrBL9t1ici0SiZeeoPtf0dCMpIav5re_6y_N0W85xZnOcPA-wgQk3-SzZ5e1UmaBpJVu00a8hbEFNI5Ppoe6XcaPp6vXu2xD2k=w317-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Dgve_H8xk5-PZJB4MNcSMOACsF5W8MiH48JJrrUxVpEBkoJIdMv8s6RIVGfH-gMX9FSXGEcVgsNacaKjSd-lmp5SmSrBL9t1ici0SiZeeoPtf0dCMpIav5re_6y_N0W85xZnOcPA-wgQk3-SzZ5e1UmaBpJVu00a8hbEFNI5Ppoe6XcaPp6vXu2xD2k) Ka8 Kc6 Kb8 Kb6 Ka8 Rc8# ## Further Analysis > Of all the candidate moves, can you find the one that mates faster than Rd5 after White plays Kb6? > > In the Rd5 continuation can you find some faster mates in my provided analysis of Ka6 and Kb7? Before I provide those answers, you have some time before they appear later on in the post. First, let's look at White's best response to Ra5+. Going to the 4th Rank is a given, because of breathing room. We have three squares: d4, c4, and b4. One of these squares is worse than the other two. The main idea is to maneuver the Black rook to capture White's Kingside pawns, then positioning it to cut the King off from preventing a newborn Black Queen. You could entertain a few other defensive ideas that White has from earlier on in the endgame, such as Rxa2, giving up the White rook before the Black pawn can reach a1, the immediate d5 rather than Rc8+ after Ra1 is played, as well as Black delaying d5 after a2 with h5. ### Kc4 Kc4 Ra4+ A great spot for the Rook since three of White's pawns are undefended on the 4th rank. Kd3 Rxf4 g5 Rxh4 Ke3 Rg4 kf3 Rxg5 Kf4 h6 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4zX267lh2doBjuVhHQrBRctHJ5ZZefJqYHZ7KIq_w6w6QIPIcUk2RLRlH7DCLmlHBnMIOq_Q7K13nLZMZOVqrARGYd4aT7qWcx2FiEl6gyu1v9yenP4gZXLGfCiSk5NPpoiPaOfWDNpGrzsoPH0bxVec_6NSxYule4lqb77r8PgNple-AM02nfKXL1SM=w320-h318)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4zX267lh2doBjuVhHQrBRctHJ5ZZefJqYHZ7KIq_w6w6QIPIcUk2RLRlH7DCLmlHBnMIOq_Q7K13nLZMZOVqrARGYd4aT7qWcx2FiEl6gyu1v9yenP4gZXLGfCiSk5NPpoiPaOfWDNpGrzsoPH0bxVec_6NSxYule4lqb77r8PgNple-AM02nfKXL1SM) 8/3k1p2/3Pp1pp/4P1r1/5K2/8/8/8 w - - 0 47 Mate in 10 ### Kb4 Kb4 Ra1 Kc3 Ra4 Kd3 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbAMlutWOI8CMkUsMJzODahi4EhZSrIILQn_24CrUiS2nt779ulOrPUPlcKUF9gw76Y4Ll5Stbe3q5k4hT7isYXNFeOJiCcMZ4N5EBGmiylHLTSC6L94tz_B1mfjcy6Y3Uet4SWkpHDl3wIgW1ZQzMBzbec0LfQANuHGuz6GiYFYHRAPYdLZqocAqgLg=w315-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzbAMlutWOI8CMkUsMJzODahi4EhZSrIILQn_24CrUiS2nt779ulOrPUPlcKUF9gw76Y4Ll5Stbe3q5k4hT7isYXNFeOJiCcMZ4N5EBGmiylHLTSC6L94tz_B1mfjcy6Y3Uet4SWkpHDl3wIgW1ZQzMBzbec0LfQANuHGuz6GiYFYHRAPYdLZqocAqgLg) Rxf4 g5 Rxh4 Ke3 Rg4 Kf3 Rxg5 Kf4 h6 and we reach the same Mate in 10. ### Kd4 Kd4 h5 gxh5 gxh5 Ke3 Ra3+ [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjte0ksXoE5nFJOVFFIgoKVnlcbN7kXVphBPFb_U1kcJ3YVfUvsX64nH8o3G3JYiOcNwZ3RBzp38ppq4DrQDfNUGIxUBSMfblMbGEznRceZ92pA3bdypV_symDGwkleVpA9c8ij9s7la1WzrPRqOCG52ke5zpOGZi07Kz5y6lc6ZUBev-3KE6ut414Fqk=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjte0ksXoE5nFJOVFFIgoKVnlcbN7kXVphBPFb_U1kcJ3YVfUvsX64nH8o3G3JYiOcNwZ3RBzp38ppq4DrQDfNUGIxUBSMfblMbGEznRceZ92pA3bdypV_symDGwkleVpA9c8ij9s7la1WzrPRqOCG52ke5zpOGZi07Kz5y6lc6ZUBev-3KE6ut414Fqk) Kf2 Rh3 g5 Rxh4 Kg3 Rg4 Kf3 [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi80Nzqn0x75DW5H6aY60_ve7Y0sWbOQyNFWMOHbgbyTca3Wywg-okQquDZcp12Le-xe0S5CoJ5IKlZSGUfnupOCbzgmDa8lhbt6mDEC7WrLGxbz693ojYyCLDDCRNWZqNqE6xGZujT_OhKXpeS1ZCxZNBF7C8LEXfq_aQ-2Ko6k8XHuSnyoziugyxlPmQ=w320-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi80Nzqn0x75DW5H6aY60_ve7Y0sWbOQyNFWMOHbgbyTca3Wywg-okQquDZcp12Le-xe0S5CoJ5IKlZSGUfnupOCbzgmDa8lhbt6mDEC7WrLGxbz693ojYyCLDDCRNWZqNqE6xGZujT_OhKXpeS1ZCxZNBF7C8LEXfq_aQ-2Ko6k8XHuSnyoziugyxlPmQ) 8/3k1p2/4p1p1/4P1P1/5Prp/5K2/8/8 b - - 1 48 a different position but still another Mate in 10 ## Answering Questions ### Question: Of all the candidate moves, can you find the one that mates faster than Rd5 after White plays Kb6? [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3L0bfnYP2W91CCW-BeKjhF8PscXRI1lSqDhfZKYBtJqRejkphqtOf6fpesWYXcXvmo2EP06CzEVvWbA6ydDMxWx-auZX3we0t4YJGXC4J0gBATw2qVXqrK-HoKMobe979QQl6g1FpSIObIus8JkfdaVhrXWE5-0OODmAUbGb7hTLv644vnDurc29EcCM=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3L0bfnYP2W91CCW-BeKjhF8PscXRI1lSqDhfZKYBtJqRejkphqtOf6fpesWYXcXvmo2EP06CzEVvWbA6ydDMxWx-auZX3we0t4YJGXC4J0gBATw2qVXqrK-HoKMobe979QQl6g1FpSIObIus8JkfdaVhrXWE5-0OODmAUbGb7hTLv644vnDurc29EcCM) Answer: Ra4 with the same ideas discussed about cutting the White King off from one half of the board. This move is also applicable in place of Ra5+ for a faster mating sequence. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWa9NBvNgksO6sq_6SANrzVUctygsRpIeljx7K2vY2xJixkSaZ2GlvGcx-TCdAJyUGB9u2LdvmhwoR-vKRBlbQDInMhK4CMjarjaAjkZUJQcm_oiBQwP5ooSf9N3Uh7seJ_9Uko0SC7dXIEfyUnwQXwFjND2AcF1T3zHcMwXeYTJYHHYQI5bC5nrz3OR0=w320-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWa9NBvNgksO6sq_6SANrzVUctygsRpIeljx7K2vY2xJixkSaZ2GlvGcx-TCdAJyUGB9u2LdvmhwoR-vKRBlbQDInMhK4CMjarjaAjkZUJQcm_oiBQwP5ooSf9N3Uh7seJ_9Uko0SC7dXIEfyUnwQXwFjND2AcF1T3zHcMwXeYTJYHHYQI5bC5nrz3OR0) [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXOVId1YWX-azblG-HQcp4OnNhebNMdXDJvkjOb5m6q6B-5GGYByCF-r-B0knqBW2hF8YM0-Rd-_VMKoHUTjBtBQuBPfPAtkTBCKax1vREC4zdw5SKrr4WavD78reSHV2m9RyQ5RhMal6xBuH_7HaFLNrLbr_UrwsQXvKLz8rjt11v9XvlNdwwpdU07Q=w320-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLXOVId1YWX-azblG-HQcp4OnNhebNMdXDJvkjOb5m6q6B-5GGYByCF-r-B0knqBW2hF8YM0-Rd-_VMKoHUTjBtBQuBPfPAtkTBCKax1vREC4zdw5SKrr4WavD78reSHV2m9RyQ5RhMal6xBuH_7HaFLNrLbr_UrwsQXvKLz8rjt11v9XvlNdwwpdU07Q) ### Question: In the Rd5 continuation can you find some faster mates in my provided analysis of Ka6 and Kb7? ### Answer: Yes! Rxd7 sets up Mate in 7! Not the provided move Kc7 for a much longer mate. [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqIC1ZYhaZaW7bR8ysOHXVHEQebURZJRE65pNfGiAPxbQ1LCux5aBUcXiY2XlguT_O7y1oAdjmiflGt75BOGoRiSZ6k5tWpSmTULEmRjthzAzayxjyoUcU-rzcBv6dRgt3r5lEwR1UZVtgkUfvyscsZHL_HCb2atard6NBy6qRu935ftie5ELNhyR-uDE=w314-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqIC1ZYhaZaW7bR8ysOHXVHEQebURZJRE65pNfGiAPxbQ1LCux5aBUcXiY2XlguT_O7y1oAdjmiflGt75BOGoRiSZ6k5tWpSmTULEmRjthzAzayxjyoUcU-rzcBv6dRgt3r5lEwR1UZVtgkUfvyscsZHL_HCb2atard6NBy6qRu935ftie5ELNhyR-uDE) h5 Rd4 Ka7 Rxf4 g5 Ra4+ Kb8 Ra5 h6 Ra4 Kc8 Ra8# ## How about those defensive ideas by White? If Black plays the immediate d5 rather than Rc8+, rather than the solid a2 response by Black: Re1+ Kf2 a2 Kxe1 a1=Q+ can lead to some fun analysis if you'd like practice. Or Kf3 a2 Ra3 leading towards a position similar to our prior analysis. a1=Q Rxa1 Rxa1 If White's rook takes on a2 before the Black pawn promotes in the regular line? Doesn't really slow the process down as much, because if any pawn moves the Rook can cut the King off with Ra4. The d pawn is easily stopped by Black's King going to f8, or Black's pawns capture White's as they advance. If White tries h5 after a2, then we get the Queen White recaptures: after Re1+ Kd3, and when Black lands Rxa1 White could push either h6 or d5. If h6 then Kf8, and if d5 then Ra4. Both allow the same strategy of snapping up the White pawns and giving no hope for White's King with their very limited move options. ## Cooling Down Solution to warm-up: Rxf7 Kg3 Ra3 h3 Raxf3+ Kg2 Rf2+ Kg1 Rc2 h4 h5 Kh1 Rf1# [![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhziJA8_qEijpOIIYo3nPYTNNl5uNNX51xe3OBwPCG4Q6RJf2g29e13xEVjEXVpx5zwLSKbJUEVKdhjJn9w9pT5HeDY4o18pvqmFoqloyHoMM_wSfQBqdtOPoWYuTdC0edodou7avwDeMBAZzsrvlib1Qj8kkLHSA5BI98en31tSAXlFEumMtjjBS9LQkk=w318-h320)](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhziJA8_qEijpOIIYo3nPYTNNl5uNNX51xe3OBwPCG4Q6RJf2g29e13xEVjEXVpx5zwLSKbJUEVKdhjJn9w9pT5HeDY4o18pvqmFoqloyHoMM_wSfQBqdtOPoWYuTdC0edodou7avwDeMBAZzsrvlib1Qj8kkLHSA5BI98en31tSAXlFEumMtjjBS9LQkk) ### Mate in 8 ## Congratulations! You've made it to the end of another Endgame Bootcamp. Hope you enjoyed this one and expect more variety to come as we take a break from the common rook and pawn endings. Solution to cool down: Ra7+ Rb7 Rxb7+ Kg6 h5+ Kxh5 Qxf6 Qd8 g4+ Kxg4 Rg7+ Kh5 Qg6+ Kh4 Qxh6#