Intermediate Puzzles
These puzzles test your knowledge of critical rook endgame techniques.
Lucena Position
Puzzle 1: Building the Bridge
Lucena: Bridge Building
Build the famous bridge to shelter your king from checks.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Puzzle 2: King March
Lucena: Shelter the King
March your king out, using the rook as a shield.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Philidor Position
Puzzle 3: Third Rank Defense
Philidor: Cut Off the King
Black to move. Establish the drawing setup.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Puzzle 4: Checking from Behind
Philidor: Perpetual Checks
Black draws with checks from behind.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Rook Activity
Puzzle 5: Active Rook
Activate Your Rook
Use your rook actively to tie down the enemy king.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Puzzle 6: Rook Behind Passer
Rook Behind the Pawn
The golden rule: place your rook behind passed pawns.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Tactical Motifs
Puzzle 7: Back Rank Threat
Use the Back Rank
Black's king is boxed in by its own pawns — deliver mate on the back rank.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 1
Puzzle 8: Skewer
Rook Skewer
Use a skewer to win material.
Your turn - find the best move!Move 1 of 2
Progress Tracker
| Puzzle | Topic | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lucena Bridge | ☐ |
| 2 | Lucena King March | ☐ |
| 3 | Philidor 3rd Rank | ☐ |
| 4 | Philidor Checks | ☐ |
| 5 | Active Rook | ☐ |
| 6 | Rook Behind PP | ☐ |
| 7 | Back Rank | ☐ |
| 8 | Skewer | ☐ |
Ready for more? Try Checkmate Patterns!