How many times have I read this. 2 threads on the same thing going at once "Can I win with K & R vs K?".
Please do yourselves a favour. If you want to progress beyond "novice" learn basic endings as, if you cannot mate it does not matter what else you do. Tactics are important but elementary endings more so.
Start by learning how to mate (in order of difficulty)
1. 2R & K vs K;
2. Q & K vs K;
3. R & K vs K;
4. 2Bs & K vs K;
5. B & N & K vs K.
(all these are wins for the stronger side)
6. 2N & K vs K is a draw;
7. B & K vs K is a draw;
8. N & K vs K is a draw.
Once you know these backwards start working on
9. How to win with K & P vs K; and
10 How to draw with K vs K & P
(not all positions are equal here - try and understand opposition and the drawing / winning methods with Rooks P)
Once you have these taped get back to tactics and openings. More complex endings can wait. Even strong players have difficulty winning K & Q vs K & R and you need to be a super GM to win 2N & K vs K & P.
Edit: Maybe some kind soul will post a tutorial on these.
I was recently helping some children checkmate with king and rook against king, and discovered that they had all been taught a horrible technique based on "boxes". The "fence" technique I learnt is so easy that I told them to forget all about "boxes" and use my method! The trouble with the box technique is that it was easy (for a beginner) to make a mistake.
Personally I think it's a waste of time learning how to checkmate with bishop and knight against king. The time is much better spent on king and pawn or king, rook and pawns endings.
Originally posted by Fat LadyI agree you are more likely to end up with minor pieces and a few pawns rather than a B & N ending. In fact I cannot recollect ever getting down to one although imagine if I did my opponent would resign. However, learning the technique of how will help with tactics and strategy generally.
I was recently helping some children checkmate with king and rook against king, and discovered that they had all been taught a horrible technique based on "boxes". The "fence" technique I learnt is so easy that I told them to forget all about "boxes" and use my method! The trouble with the box technique is that it was easy (for a beginner) to make a mistake ...[text shortened]... nst king. The time is much better spent on king and pawn or king, rook and pawns endings.
Originally posted by Dragon FireI would not resign if I had K vs. K/B/N - not until my opponent shows me that he knows the technique. There are too many strong players that don't know it.
I agree you are more likely to end up with minor pieces and a few pawns rather than a B & N ending. In fact I cannot recollect ever getting down to one although imagine if I did my opponent would resign. However, learning the technique of how will help with tactics and strategy generally.
Originally posted by BigDoggProblemI agree. Only resign when you know your opponent actually does know how to win his "won" position but do resign once it is clear he does know how.
I would not resign if I had K vs. K/B/N - not until my opponent shows me that he knows the technique. There are too many strong players that don't know it.
I can't think of any players graded over 1800 who would not be able to win with a B & N. When I get time I will post how here.
Originally posted by Dragon Firethat would be good. I can get the king to the edge, and mate once it's in the corner, but the driving it towards the corner -part just doesn't reveal its secrets to me. the king always slips away. I've read ragnorak's thread about it, but another point of view might help as well.
I can't think of any players graded over 1800 who would not be able to win with a B & N. When I get time I will post how here.
Originally posted by wormwoodSchakuhr organized a K/B/N endgame tournament a while ago where all participants got to play that endgame against him. He gave tips when necessary and let people play again if they wished. (I don't think he ever declared a winner, or maybe I missed it. But at least for me the "tournament" part was rather unimportant anyway.) Maybe you could ask him if he'll let you play a K/B/N endgame against him.
that would be good. I can get the king to the edge, and mate once it's in the corner, but the driving it towards the corner -part just doesn't reveal its secrets to me. the king always slips away. I've read ragnorak's thread about it, but another point of view might help as well.
Originally posted by torch71Thread 57657
Is it possible to mate someone with just a king and rook? Unchartered territory
Originally posted by Dragon FireAlso, http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Chess/The_Endgame
Thread 57657
I posted this link earlier, but deleted it because the game was in process. Of course, while asking for advice is not allowed, doing your own research and googling for something like "rook king endgame" is allowed. I'd recommend that for the future.