Endgames
Lucena Position
Also known as: Building the Bridge, بناء الجسر
Type: Rook and pawn vs rookResult: WinDifficultyLearn 3/5 · Master 4/5 · Calculation 2/5
TechniqueResult: WinActive line
The winning method: building the bridge
The king shelters its pawn on the 7th. We free it from checks by building a rook bridge on the 4th rank, and the pawn promotes.
Attacker
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Lesson steps
Technique
Common mistake
Core idea
The king is already in front of the pawn on the 7th rank; free it from checks by building a bridge with the rook on the 4th rank, then walk the king out and promote.
If you're attacking
Shield the king from rook checks so the pawn can queen.
Plans
- King in front of the pawn
- Cut the enemy king off
- Check to push the king one more file
- Rook to the 4th rank
- Walk the king out
- Interpose on the 4th rank (the bridge)
Avoid
- Running the king out with no shelter
- Building the bridge on the 5th rank first
If you're defending
Prevent the Lucena from forming; otherwise it is usually too late.
Plans
- Keep the king in front of the pawn (aim for Philidor)
- Keep the rook at checking distance (3+ files) on the short side
Avoid
- Side checks from too close
- Letting the enemy king reach the queening square