How to draw the Philidor position: the third-rank defence
Learn to hold rook against rook and pawn with the Philidor defence: your rook on the third rank keeps the white king out, and once the pawn advances, the rook checks from behind.
Rook on the third rank
This is the Philidor position. Your king stands in front of the pawn; White's king and rook are ready to drive it out. Your rook decides the game.
Play Rb6: the rook goes to the third rank (your 6th) and keeps the white king off it. Without e6 or f6 for its king, White can't make progress. Rb6 Rh7
2. Rh7 White waits, here with Rh7: its king can't get past your rook.
Wait as well: play Rc6, staying on the third rank but well away from the white king. Rd6 to Rh6 would lose. Rc6 e6
3. e6 White pushes the pawn: e6. Your rook is no longer needed on the third rank, and the white king will find no shelter from checks from behind.
This is the moment: play Rc1. The rook goes to the far end and will check the king from behind. Rc1
The rook waited on the third rank while it kept the white king out, and went behind the pawn the moment it advanced.
Checks from behind
White's king has come to f6 and threatens Rh8 mate. Your rook, behind the pawn, checks first.
Play Rf1+: check from behind, the only move. The king has to leave f6. Rf1+ Ke5
2. Ke5 Ke5: the king walks towards your rook to escape the checks.
Keep checking from behind: play Re1+. Re1+ Kd6
3. Kd6 Kd6: the king tries the other side.
Play Rd1+: from behind again and from a distance, the only move here. Rd1+ Ke5
4. Ke5 Ke5: back again. The white king can't hide in front of its pawn.
Play Re1+: the checks go on for ever. It is a draw. Re1+
Third rank first, checks from behind once the pawn advances: the Philidor defence holds rook against rook and pawn.
Key ideas
- Your king stands in front of the pawn; your rook goes to your third rank (the 6th, playing Black).
- While the pawn stays on the 5th rank, keep the rook on that rank: the white king can't get in front of you.
- When the pawn steps onto your third rank, it takes away the white king's shelter: send the rook to the far end and check from behind.
- Keep checking from a distance; the king has nowhere to hide and it is a draw.
Common mistakes
- Leaving the rook on the back rank, or putting it on the 7th rank where it can be traded or cut off.
- Stepping the king away from the pawn (Kd8 or Kf8 at the wrong moment).
- Staying on the third rank after the pawn has reached it: the white king comes to f6 and the checks come too late.
- Checking from the side instead of from behind: the king walks towards your rook and the checks run out.