Rook and King Mate

In the rook and king mate the rook boxes in the enemy king and, when the kings stand face to face, checks along the edge for mate.

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Start
Pieces
Rook + king
Level
Beginner
Mating side
White
Also known as
kaleyle mat, kale ile mat nasıl yapılır, rook mate

Moves

1.Ra8#

The kings face each other (g6 and g8); White's king covers f7, g7 and h7. 1.Ra8 checks along the eighth rank: mate.

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How to recognise Rook and King Mate

  • The rook shrinks the king's box at every opportunity.
  • Your king steps opposite the enemy king (one square apart).
  • With the kings facing each other the rook checks along the edge.

How to defend

  • For the defender: attack the rook with your king to gain time.
  • For the attacker: keep the rook far from the enemy king so it can't be taken.
Rook and King Mate: the final position

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Even from the worst position it takes at most 16 moves.

Why is the rook mate harder?

The rook is weaker than the queen; you need your king's help and the kings in opposition.

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Similar checkmate patterns

  • Queen and King Mate — Queen and king versus king is the first endgame technique every player must know: the queen drives the king to the edge, your king approaches and the queen mates on the last rank.
  • Ladder Mate (Two Rooks) — In the ladder mate two rooks (or rook and queen) take turns giving check, push the king to the edge and mate it.
  • Back-Rank Mate — In a back-rank mate the king is trapped behind its own pawns and a rook or queen mates on the last rank.

← All checkmate tacticsNext: Two Bishops Mate →