Basic endgame strategy: queens & rooks

This tutorial on endgame tactics demonstrates the fundamental principles and combinations required to defeat adversaries. It instructs players on converting middlegame advantages into triumphs, utilizing the king as an offensive tool, paving the path for rook mates, and identifying tactical combinations.

The accompanying guide to Elementary Finishing Tactics: Kings, Pawns, and Minor Pieces illustrates the mating principles and combinations involving the queen and rook with the king. It also offers insights on turning middlegame benefits into wins, generating passed pawns, employing the king as an offensive tool, paving the way for rook mates, and other key endgame combinations.

As a youngster, Bill Robertie embarked on his chess-playing journey, unaware that his unwavering concentration on this particular game would ultimately result in notable global accomplishments in three different games – chess, backgammon, and poker.