Theory
Rook endings appear more often than any other endgame type, and they’re notorious for how often objectively lost or drawn positions get misplayed. Rook activity matters more than material here — a rook cut off behind enemy lines is often worth less than a pawn, while an active rook can hold a pawn down against significant material odds.
Two positions every player needs cold: the Lucena position (a winning technique for the side with an extra pawn near promotion) and the Philidor position (the drawing technique for the defender). Between them, they cover the vast majority of practical rook-and-pawn endings.
Model Games
Study Karpov’s rook endings for the winning side’s technique — specifically how he builds a bridge in Lucena-type positions to shield his king from checks while promoting. His endgame technique remains the standard teaching reference.
Practice Positions
Set up the Lucena position (rook and pawn on the seventh vs lone rook) and practice the bridge-building technique without looking up the answer first. Then set up the Philidor position and practice the third-rank defence that holds the draw.