King and Rook vs. King Checkmate
This checkmate is slightly harder than Queen + King but every player must know it. The key concept is the "box" method: use the rook to create a shrinking rectangle, then deliver checkmate on the edge.
The box method
- Step 1: Use the rook to cut off the enemy king, creating a "box" (restricted rectangle).
- Step 2: Bring your king to the same rank/file as the enemy king (opposition).
- Step 3: Use "waiting moves" with the rook to force the enemy king backward.
- Step 4: Repeat until the king reaches the edge, then deliver checkmate.
Example sequence
Common mistakes
Don't chase the king with checks, this just moves it around the board. Use the systematic box method instead. Don't bring your king too close to the rook (it can be captured). And don't let the enemy king approach your rook on the same file/rank.
How long should it take?
Under FIDE rules, you must deliver checkmate within 50 moves. With correct technique, King + Rook vs King should take approximately 15-20 moves from a random starting position.