Queen versus rook • • • Always wins against a lone rook, unless there is an immediate draw (perpetual check / stalemate) Long known – great piece of chess history – thought to be an easy win Computers changed that -= difficult win against accurate play

Method • • • Force rook back into a third-rank defence Reaching the Philidor position from a second rank defence Winning the rook / forcing mate

Queen versus Rook • • • • Famous position analysed by Philidor (1777) Win for white, when black to move How to achieve black to move?

How to win Rook and force a win?

second rank-defence

second rank-defence

third rank defence • M. Euwe (1958)

Beware – draw via stalemate • D. Ponziani (1782)

Saavedra Position • White to move and win!