Icannos/chess_studies huggingface dataset:
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 3: A huge mis-step"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/8j8AeKf3"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/P4k2/8/8/8/8/r7/7K b - - 42 22"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

22... Ke7 $4 { Black has trapped your king on the back row, and thinks that they can now rush their king over to capture the a pawn and end the game immediately. Can you prove that this last move was a horrible blunder? } 23. Rh8 $1 ( 23. Rg8 $5 $18 { This technically wins as well, but it's good practice to move your rook as far away from your opponent's king as possible. Play Rh8 instead for the solution. } ) 23... Rxa7 { You were threatening to promote, so black was forced to take your pawn. What next? } 24. Rh7+ Kd6 25. Rxa7 $18 { Nicely done! Up a full rook, white is now easily winning. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Advanced rook endgames"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/uJBw0bG0"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/P5k1/8/8/8/8/r4P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ We've now mastered the fundamental rook endgames that every chess player should learn. Be sure to give this study a like if you feel you have improved your endgame knowledge! You can then revisit these endgames later to refresh your memory.

Now it's time to explore more complicated rook endgames. These endgames are rarer (and indeed more subtle), but are only more complicated than the previous positions because they require a complete understanding of the building-block positions we've just explored. This upcoming material will be mostly designed for players with a lichess rating >2000, but anyone who feels comfortable with the previous positions is welcome to explore as well! } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 4: Black prevents the bridge"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/QBbdKFBx"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "1K1k4/1P6/8/8/r7/8/8/2R5 w - - 1 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Let's start with an exercise! We know that in the Lucena position, white's rook belongs on the 4th rank in order to build the bridge. But how to build the bridge if black prevents the rook from reaching the 4th rank? } 1. Rd1+ $1 Ke7 { Same question: How to build the bridge if black prevents the rook from reaching the 4th rank? } 2. Kc7 $1 Rc4+ { Exactly! With black's rook so close to queening square, the white king can immediately perform the same maneuver we've already seen. No bridge necessary! } 3. Kb6 Rb4+ 4. Kc6 ( 4. Kc5 $4 { Oh no your pawn! } 4... Rxb7 $10 ) ( 4. Ka5 $4 { Oh no your pawn! } 4... Rxb7 $10 ) ( 4. Ka6 $18 { Equally good. Play Kc6 instead for the solution. } ) 4... Rc4+ 5. Kb5 { Now that the king attacks the rook, white gains a crucial tempo, allowing the pawn to promote next.
PRO TIP: When giving checks with the rook, we want the rook as far away from the enemy king as possible to avoid the king being able to sidestep the check and attack our rook. } 5... Rc2 $5 { Black has one last trick! } 6. Rb1 $1 $18 { Once the skewer is avoided, black is out of tricks. The b pawn will promote next. [%cal Gb7b8] } ( 6. b8=Q $4 { Don't promote too quickly! After Rb2+ you're losing your new queen! } 6... Rb2+ 7. Kc6 Rxb8 $10 ) ( 6. Rd4 $1 { Yes, we can revert to the bridge method here too. Play Rb1 instead for the solution. } ) ( 6. Rd8 ) *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: The Lucena rook pawn"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/Z63OnPmR"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "K7/P4k2/8/8/8/8/1r6/4R3 w - - 1 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ As always, rook pawns are the hardest to promote. The default procedure of building a bridge in this position will get white nowhere, since black controls the b file and traps the white king in the corner. In fact, if the black king was closer than the f file, this position would actually be drawn.

However, with the black king cut off by at least 4 files, white can win in the following manner: } 1. Rc1 $1 { PRO TIP: In rook endgames, cutting the opponent's king off from the remaining pawns with your rook is often a good idea. With their king away from the action, you are essentially playing up a piece in the endgame! } 1... Ke7 2. Rc8 $1 ( 2. Rc7+ $4 { A reasonable try, but it does not solve the issue of the trapped king. } 2... Kd6 3. Rb7 Rh2 $1 4. Rb8 Kc6 $1 $10 { White's king is not actually escaping! } ) 2... Kd6 $1 { We will soon see why this king move is far and above the best try for black. } ( 2... Kd7 $6 { This alternative king move lets white's king out without any issues. } 3. Rb8 $1 Ra2 4. Kb7 $1 Rb2+ 5. Ka6 Ra2+ 6. Kb6 Rb2+ 7. Kc5 $18 { With no more checks, the pawn is promoting next. } ) 3. Rb8 $1 { White needed three moves in order to finally gain control of the b file. Black's king being at least 4 files removed from the action ensured that there was time for this maneuver. } 3... Ra2 4. Kb7 { Finally, the king can escape the corner. } 4... Rb2+ 5. Kc8 Rc2+ 6. Kd8 Rh2 $1 { Now we see why black played Kd6 earlier. If black's king was on any other square in this position, a8=Q immediately wins. However, by now threatening checkmate, black once again prevents white from promoting. } 7. Rb6+ $1 ( 7. a8=Q $4 Rh8# ) 7... Kc5 $1 { Yet again black prevents white from promoting due to the skewer on the 8th rank. If only white could queen with check, there would be no threat of a skewer... } 8. Rc6+ $3 Kxc6 ( 8... Kd5 $5 9. Ra6 $1 $18 { The skewer is avoided, white's king can escape the rook checks, and a8=Q is coming next. } ) 9. a8=Q+ { White queens with check and reaches a winning queen vs rook endgame. Under normal circumstances, this endgame is quite tricky to win, but with the rook stranded so far away from the king, the win in this position is quite direct. } 9... Kc5 10. Qc8+ { With a series of checks, white will pick off the undefended rook. } 10... Kd4 11. Qg4+ Kd5 12. Qf5+ Kc6 13. Qd7+ Kc5 14. Qc7+ $18 { Please do not try and memorize these queen checks. Instead, notice that each check forces the black king further away from the rook and/or onto a dark square from which there is an inevitable fork. [%cal Rc7c5,Rc7h2] } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Failing to reach the Vancura position"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/j35j1C41"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/5K2/8/r7 b - - 11 6"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ We have another rook and pawn endgame where the stronger side has unfortunately placed their rook in front of the passed pawn. However, white has played this cleverly by not pushing the pawn to the 7th rank. With the pawn still on a6, there are chances for the white king to reach refuge from black's vertical checks: the a7 square. } 6... Kh7 $4 { If black plays this endgame like the previous one, the position is hopeless. } ( 6... Rf1+ $1 $10 { The correct way forward: See the next chapter for why this move works. } ) 7. Ke4 ( 7. a7 $4 $10 { Pushing the pawn prematurely leads to a draw that we have already explored! } ) 7... Kg7 8. Kd5 Kh7 9. Kc6 Kg7 10. Kb7 Rb1+ 11. Ka7 $1 { White is safe from checks, and can finally move the rook. } 11... Kf7 12. Rb8 Rc1 13. Kb7 { Threatening a7, after which a8=Q is unstoppable. } 13... Rb1+ ( 13... Ke7 $6 14. a7 Rb1+ 15. Kc6 $18 { Transposing to the main line, but with worse defense. } ) 14. Ka8 Ra1 15. a7 { a7 is achieved while the white king is not trapped in the corner. White is now clearly winning. } 15... Ke7 16. Kb7 Rb1+ 17. Kc6 Rc1+ 18. Kd5 Rd1+ 19. Kc4 Rc1+ 20. Kd3 Rd1+ 21. Kc2 { No more checks. } 21... Ra1 22. a8=Q Rxa8 23. Rxa8 $18 { PRO TIP: One can always escape a rook's perpetual check attempt by zigzagging with the king towards the rook until the rook is attacked and forced away. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: The Vancura position"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/yACsUxom"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/8/5K2/8/r7 b - - 11 6"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ Now let's explore the correct defense in this position, known as "the Vancura position." } 6... Rf1+ $1 7. Ke4 Rf6 $1 { Black must attack the pawn from the side instead of from behind in this key position. Atypical? Yes. But this move still ensures the enemy rook must stay on a8 to defend the pawn. This is known as the Vancura defense. } 8. Kd5 ( 8. a7 $6 Ra6 $10 { Black must always be ready to reach the drawn position we've previously explored in case white pushes the pawn to a7. } ) 8... Rb6 { As long as black attacks the pawn horizontally, white cannot make further progress. } 9. Kc5 Rf6 { While this move is not strictly forced (Re6 also holds), keeping the rook on a defended square means the white king can never gain a tempo on an undefended rook. } 10. Kb5 { White once again defends the pawn and therefore frees the a8 rook to move again... } ( 10. Ra7+ Kg8 11. Kb5 Rf5+ $1 $10 { No progress for white here either. } ) 10... Rf5+ $1 { Check! Just as we've seen before, white cannot keep the pawn defended and avoid perpetual checks. The key difference is that black must now check from the side instead of from behind. } 11. Kb6 Rf6+ 12. Ka7 Rf7+ 13. Kb8 Rf8+ 14. Kb7 Rf7+ 15. Kc6 Rf6+ 16. Kd7 Rf7+ 17. Ke6 Rf6+ 18. Kd5 Rb6 $10 { White has made no progress and black repeats the position once. No progress can be made here. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: A trick in the Vancura"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/AzuvupGO"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/5K2/8/8/r7 b - - 20 11"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ We are still in the Vancura position, but white's king is more active than before. We know that the rook belongs on f6, but heading there directly loses to an important trick. } 11... Rc1 $1 { A move to memorize! Black is trying to reach the Vancura position via a different route: Rc1-c6-f6. } ( 11... Rf1+ $4 { The direct Vancura maneuver to f6 does not work if white's king can attack the f6 square in the next move. } 12. Ke5 $1 { [%cal Re5f6] } 12... Rf6 { [%cal Re5f6] } 13. Rg8+ $1 { [%cal Re5f6] } 13... Kxg8 { [%cal Re5f6] } 14. Kxf6 $18 { White's pawn will queen next. } ) ( 11... Rb1 $4 $18 { Superficially looks similar to the main line, but now white will have Rb7, gaining a key tempo on our unprotected rook in some lines. This position will be fully explored in Exercises 9 and 10. } ) 12. Rb8 ( 12. Ke5 $6 Rc6 13. Kd5 Rf6 $10 { If white does nothing immediately, black directly transposes to the Vancura position proper. Draw. } ) ( 12. Ra7+ $6 Kg6 $1 13. Ke5 Rc6 14. Kd5 Rf6 $10 { Again transposing to the Vancura position. } ) 12... Ra1 $1 { It's crucial that any time the white rook undefends the pawn, black is able to get behind it immediately. } 13. Ra8 ( 13. Rb7+ $6 Kf6 14. a7 Ke6 $10 { Black's rook is firmly behind the passed pawn. White cannot prevent the king from reaching b6 after which the a pawn will fall. [%cal Ge6b6,Rb6a7] } ) 13... Rc1 $1 14. Rb8 Ra1 $1 { Black is happy to repeat the position... } 15. Rb6 $5 { If white does not wish to repeat the position, this is the only way to create trouble. } 15... Ra5 $3 { Another key move to remember. Black must cut off the king from the bottom half of the board or the pawn will push through: [%cal Ba5h5,Ba5a8] } ( 15... Kf7 $4 16. Ke5 $1 Ke7 17. Rb7+ $1 Kd8 18. a7 $1 $18 { Black cannot stop Rb8+ followed by a8=Q. } ) 16. Ke4 Kf7 { Both sides rush over to the pawn now. Thankfully black is in time here. } 17. Kd4 ( 17. Rh6 $5 Kg7 18. Rb6 Kf7 $10 ) 17... Ke7 18. Kc4 Kd7 19. Kb4 Ra1 20. Kc5 Kc7 21. Rb7+ Kc8 22. Kb6 { The white king will be able to reach safety from the checks, but black's king is now so active that white will never be able to escape the a file. } 22... Rb1+ 23. Ka7 Ra1 24. Rb6 Kc7 $1 $10 { As long as black's king prevents white's king from leaving the a file, the game is drawn. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 5: The issue with memorization"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/un0tfzQw"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/5k2/P6R/r7/4K3/8/8/8 b - - 31 17"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

17... Ke7 $4 { This is the issue with blindly memorizing endgame variations without taking the time to understand them. Black saw this was a Vancura position and remembered that in this variation he could safely walk his king towards the pawn in order to win it. Here, however, the white rook is placed on h6 instead of the usual b6. Why does the usual plan not work in this exact position? } 18. a7 $1 ( 18. Kd4 $4 { After Kd7, the position is drawn. } 18... Kd7 $10 ) 18... Kd7 { Exactly! The usual skewer trick ensures that the pawn cannot be taken. Still, black's king is so close to stopping the pawn for good... } 19. Rh8 $1 { Perfect! The pawn threatens to queen next and so must be taken. } 19... Rxa7 20. Rh7+ Kc6 21. Rxa7 $18 { Memorizing these variations is not good enough. You have to understand WHY the moves are being made if you want to truly learn these endgames! } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Extra g pawn is drawn"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/zokTMTpU"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/P5k1/8/8/8/8/r5P1/6K1 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ If the g pawn in this position is missing, we already know that this position is a draw. Interestingly enough this position is still drawn even though white is now up two pawns. The drawing technique is similar to what we have already seen. } 1. Kh2 Kh7 2. Kg3 Kg7 3. Kf3 Kh7 4. g4 Kg7 5. g5 Kh7 6. g6+ Kg7 $1 ( 6... Kxg6 $4 { Don't get distracted! The king must stay on g7 or h7 as always. } 7. Rg8+ Kf7 8. a8=Q $18 ) 7. Ke4 Ra1 { Now that the black king has no more safe moves, black must find waiting moves with the rook. Thankfully, there will always be the possibility of Ra1-a2 (or a6 if the white king is near a2) waiting for white to try and make progress. } 8. Kf5 { Defending the g pawn does not disturb black's defensive setup. } 8... Ra2 9. Ke5 Ra1 10. Kd5 Ra2 11. Kc6 Ra1 12. Kb6 Rb1+ $1 { Black still has the crucial rook check whenever the white king defends the a pawn. } 13. Kc7 Ra1 $10 { This exact drawing technique works just as well if white has an extra h pawn instead of an extra g pawn. In that case, black's king remains secure on h7 instead of g7. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Extra f pawn is winning"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/7j9RImTE"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/P5k1/8/8/8/8/r4P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ This position would be drawn without the extra f pawn. However, with an f pawn, black's defensive setup can finally be disturbed. } 1. Kg2 Kh7 2. Kf3 Kg7 3. Ke3 Kh7 4. f4 Kg7 5. f5 Ra6 ( 5... Ra1 6. f6+ $18 { Also winning, as in the main line. } ) 6. f6+ $1 { While the g or h pawn does not disturb black's setup, here we see that the f pawn is enough to tip the scales in white's favor. White is winning in every variation by either deflecting black's king from g7/h7 or black's rook from the a file. } 6... Kf7 { The king is deflected from h8. } ( 6... Kh7 7. f7 { The f pawn cannot be stopped. } 7... Kg7 8. f8=Q+ $18 ) ( 6... Kxf6 { The king is deflected off the 7th rank. } 7. Rf8+ Kg7 8. a8=Q $18 ) ( 6... Rxf6 { The rook is deflected off the a file. } 7. Re8 Ra6 8. a8=Q $18 { If white's king was on the f file in this variation, 6...Rxf6 would have been with check ensuring the game was drawn after all. Be sure to watch for these small tricks in your own games! } ) 7. Rh8 $1 Rxa7 8. Rh7+ $1 Kxf6 9. Rxa7 $18 { The usual skewer decides the game. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: A tricky stalemate"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/G3dYO8bO"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/P5k1/8/8/8/8/r4P2/6K1 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ As we just learned, this endgame is winning for white by distracting the black king away from the g7/h7 squares with the use of the f pawn. Regardless, black has one trick to remember: } 1. Kg2 Kh7 2. Kf3 Kg7 3. Ke4 Kh7 4. f4 Kg7 5. f5 Ra4+ 6. Ke5 Ra5+ 7. Kf4 $6 { A step in the wrong direction. Zigzagging to b2 to avoid the perpetual would be easier. } ( 7. Kd4 Ra4+ 8. Kc3 Ra3+ 9. Kb2 Ra6 10. f6+ $18 { Transposing to the previous chapter. } ) 7... Kf7 $3 { A losing move, but nonetheless a good attempt against a human opponent. If white recognizes the skewer pattern we have seen time and time again, they may fall into this trick! } 8. Rh8 $4 ( 8. f6 $1 $18 { No stalemate tricks here! } ) 8... Rxa7 $1 9. Rh7+ Kf6 $1 10. Rxa7 $10 { Stalemate! If you're on the black side of this position, feel free to try to set up this trick if you can tell your opponent knows how to convert from the original position. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: When two connected pawns are enough"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/iw0KGNIs"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/7k/8/6KP/6P1/8/R7/6r1 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ In most circumstances, two connected pawns will be enough to win. The only challenging position is with two wing pawns, as they introduce the possibilities of stalemates and/or drawn rook-pawn endgames. Let's explore one possible way to promote these pawns: } 1. Ra7+ Kg8 { When you can force the enemy king backwards, you should. } 2. h6 Rb1 ( 2... Rg2 $6 3. Kf5 Rg1 4. g5 Rf1+ 5. Kg6 $18 { Keeping the rook behind the pawns loses quickly. } ) 3. Kh5 Rb5+ 4. g5 Kh8 { Black is willing to play cat and mouse. If white wants to make further progress, the black rook needs to be kicked off of the 5th rank. } 5. Re7 $1 { The rook prepares to block horizontal checks on e6/e5. } ( 5. h7 $4 Rxg5+ 6. Kxg5 $10 { Stalemate! Do NOT lead with the h pawn or you are likely to introduce stalemates! } ) ( 5. Kg6 $6 Rb6+ 6. Kf5 Rb5+ { No progress here. } ) 5... Ra5 6. Kg6 Ra6+ ( 6... Ra8 $5 7. Kf6 $1 $18 { g6 will be played next under optimal circumstances. } ) 7. Kf5 Ra1 ( 7... Ra5+ 8. Re5 Ra1 9. g6 $18 { A better version of the main line. } ) 8. g6 { The pawns push, creating back rank checkmate threats. White is making progress as long as there is no perpetual check.
PRO TIP: In general you should only commit to creating this pawn duo on the 6th if you are 100% certain you have calculated the path forward. If you do not, it's quite possible this move over-extends the pawns and creates stalemate nets. } 8... Rf1+ ( 8... Ra8 $5 9. Kf6 Rb8 10. Ke6 Rb6+ 11. Kf7 Rb8 12. Re8+ $18 { Transposing to the main line } ) 9. Ke6 Re1+ 10. Kd7 $1 { White needs to play Ke8 at a time where Rf6 does not immediately draw the game. } ( 10. Kf7 $6 Rf1+ 11. Ke8 $4 ( 11. Ke6 $1 { White must repeat moves instead. } ) 11... Rf6 $1 $10 { Pushing either pawn drops the other! This is exactly a scenario to avoid. } ) 10... Rd1+ 11. Ke8 Rd6 ( 11... Rd2 $6 { Black can no longer wait passively. } 12. Rf7 $1 Re2+ 13. Kf8 Rf2 $1 14. g7+ ( 14. Rxf2 $4 $10 { Another stalemate! } ) 14... Kh7 15. g8=Q+ Kxh6 16. Rxf2 $18 ) 12. Kf7 $1 { Notice the difference between playing Kf7 here and Kf7 two moves earlier. } 12... Rd8 13. Re8+ { The back rank threat finally forced black into a rook trade. } 13... Rxe8 14. Kxe8 { An easily won king and pawn endgame you should know. Although there are still stalemate threats... } 14... Kg8 15. g7 $1 ( 15. h7+ Kg7 16. Ke7 Kh8 17. Kf7 $4 $10 { Don't let these stalemates happen to you! } ) 15... Kh7 16. Kf7 Kxh6 17. g8=Q Kh5 18. Qg3 Kh6 19. Qg6# { This is another endgame that you should not try and memorize. Instead, notice when pushing the pawns is premature, when pushing the pawns makes progress, how to block the rook checks, and how black can attempt to stalemate themselves. If you can internalize these little tricks, you are sure to convert this endgame under pressure! } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: When two connected pawns are not enough"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/oPRxbd6o"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/8/r5kP/6P1/3R1K2/8/8/8 b - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ White is up two connected passed pawns, but this position is actually drawn as well. The crucial factors in this position are: Black's king is perfectly placed blockading both pawns from making further progress, black's rook prevents white from checking the king backwards, and the wing pawns mean that white's king cannot enter on the opposite side of black's rook. } 1... Rb6 { As always, black must be content with waiting with this unbreakable fortress... } 2. Rd8 $5 { As we shall soon see, there is no other way to make progress. } 2... Rb4+ $1 { The king is first forced away from the defense of the g pawn. } 3. Ke5 ( 3. Kg3 $6 Rb7 $10 { Similar to the main line, but now white's king is worse-placed. } ) 3... Rb7 $1 { Black now protects the 7th rank (and therefore stops h7). Black is now actually threatening to capture the g pawn. } ( 3... Kxg5 $4 4. h7 $18 { White queens next.
PRO TIP: When you have a material advantage, sacrificing some material in order to reach a winning endgame is an important tool in your toolbox. } ) ( 3... Rg4 $4 4. Rg8+ Kh7 5. Kf5 $1 Rg1 6. Rg7+ Kh8 7. Rf7 $18 { A winning endgame explored further in the previous chapter. } ) 4. Rg8+ Kh7 { Gaining a crucial tempo on the g8 rook. } 5. Re8 ( 5. Rg7+ $6 Rxg7 6. hxg7 Kxg7 $10 { This king and pawn endgame is not good enough for a win. } ) 5... Kg6 $1 { As long as the white king cannot enter, black is happy to repeat the position. The g pawn is again threatened for real. } 6. Kf4 ( 6. Ke6 $2 Kxg5 $10 ) ( 6. Re6+ $2 Kxg5 $10 ) 6... Rb4+ $1 7. Re4 Rb6 $10 { Repeating the original position. Black's 6th rank blockade cannot be disturbed in any variation. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 6: Reaching the Lucena"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/dEWFgitE"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "4K3/1r4k1/3RP3/8/8/8/8/8 b - - 6 4"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

4... Rb8+ { We have almost reached the Lucena position, but black's king and rook are active enough to stop us from reaching the dream piece setup. } 5. Rd8 $1 ( 5. Ke7 $4 { This move doesn't threaten anything, so black has time to play Ra8!! and prepare further harassment of your king from a further distance. } 5... Ra8 $3 $10 ) 5... Rb1 { Exactly! Trading rooks loses immediately, so black is forced to spend an extra tempo saving their undefended rook. What's next? } 6. e7 $1 Rb7 { Almost there! } 7. Rd1 { Exactly - white has now reached the starting Lucena position. After Rg1+ next, we can soon build the bridge and promote the pawn. } ( 7. Rd6 $6 { Your rook is too close to the black king now to prevent Kf7 with Rf6+. } ) ( 7. Rd2 $1 { Equally good. Play Rd1 instead for the solution. } ) ( 7. Rd3 $1 { Equally good. Play Rd1 instead for the solution. } ) ( 7. Rd4 $1 { Equally good. Play Rd1 instead for the solution. } ) *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 7: Preventing the Vancura"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/Mx3NXEQg"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/8/R7/8/6k1/p7/6K1/r7 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

1. Rg6+ $4 { White is close to reaching the Vancura position, but this check actually loses the game. Knowing the theoretical Vancura defense that white would like to employ, can you refute white's current setup? } ( 1. Ra4+ $1 Kf5 2. Rc4 $1 $10 { This would have been the correct way forward. } ) 1... Kf4 $1 ( 1... Kf5 $4 { You just allowed white to transpose to the Vancura with Rg3! } 2. Rg3 $1 $10 ) 2. Ra6 { Exactly! Keeping control over g3 for just one move ensured that Rg3 would have lost to Rg1+! Can you keep it up? } ( 2. Rg3 $6 Rg1+ 3. Kxg1 Kxg3 $19 ) 2... Ke4 { Time to get your king over to the a file now that white's rook cannot check you horizontally! } ( 2... Ke5 $1 $19 { Also correct. Play Ke4 instead for the solution. } ) ( 2... Ke3 $4 { This logical move does not work due to Rh6! and now the desired follow-up of Rb1 loses the a3 pawn to Rh3+. } 3. Rh6 $1 Rb1 4. Rh3+ $10 ) 3. Ra4+ Kd5 $1 ( 3... Kd3 $5 { Technically wins, but the conversion after Rf4 is far from easy. } 4. Rf4 Ra2+ 5. Kf1 Ke3 $1 6. Ra4 Kd2 $19 ) ( 3... Ke3 $4 { An unfortunate blunder. After Rh4-h3, the position is incredibly still drawn! } 4. Rh4 Kd3 5. Rh3+ $10 ) 4. Rf4 { Once again, white is one move away from setting up the Vancura defense. What is the issue with the setup now? } 4... Ra2+ $1 ( 4... Rb1 $6 $19 { Also technically winning. But after Ra4, Ra1 is the only winning move, repeating. How do you actually make progress? } 5. Ra4 Ra1 $19 { Repeating. } ( 5... Rb2+ $4 6. Kf3 a2 7. Ke3 Kc5 8. Kd3 Kb5 9. Ra8 Kb4 10. Rb8+ $10 { No escape from the checks! } ) ) 5. Kg3 { Trading rooks would have lost the game immediately, so white is forced to move the king. } 5... Rb2 $1 $19 { White's king and rook are horribly misplaced to deal with this passed a pawn. a2 is coming next, with a winning position. } ( 5... Rc2 $1 $19 { Also winning. Play Rb2 instead for the solution. } ) ( 5... Rd2 $1 $19 { Also winning. Play Rb2 instead for the solution. } ) ( 5... Re2 $1 $19 { Also winning. Play Rb2 instead for the solution. } ) *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 8: Actively stopping the Slinky"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/vSXmDi1t"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/8/6PR/3k4/8/6rP/8/K7 b - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ Under normal circumstances, it is clear that white is winning by using the Slinky method to promote these two pawns. However, white's king is so out of play, that black has enough here for a draw. Can you find black's hidden resources?

Warning: this is a fantastically complicated position that you are not expected to figure out from the starting position. Take it move by move and see how you fare! } 1... Kc4 $3 ( 1... Rg2 $4 { An interesting try, but not as precise or as flexible as the main line. Check the Analysis afterwards to see why this does not work. } 2. h4 Kc4 3. Kb1 Kc3 4. h5 Rg1+ 5. Ka2 Rg2+ 6. Ka3 Rg1 7. Ka4 Kc4 8. Ka5 Kc5 9. Ka6 Kc6 10. g7+ $18 { Black is down a tempo from the game! } ) 2. Kb2 $1 { Brilliant! You completely abandoned the hopeless task of defending the Slinky and went directly after white's king instead. White saw the mate threats coming, so what's your follow-up now? } ( 2. h4 $4 Kb3 $1 $19 ) 2... Rg2+ 3. Ka3 { The game would continue similarly if Kc1 was played instead. } ( 3. Kc1 Kc3 4. Kd1 Kd3 5. Ke1 Ke3 6. Kf1 Kf3 7. h4 Ra2 8. Ke1 Ke3 9. Kd1 Kd3 10. Kc1 Kc3 11. Kb1 Rb2+ 12. Ka1 Rg2 $10 ) 3... Rg3+ 4. Ka4 $1 { White refuses to meekly accept a draw and asks you to prove that you have any real threats against their king. } 4... Rg1 $1 ( 4... Rg2 $1 $10 { Also correct. Play Rg1 instead for the solution. } ) 5. Ka5 Kc5 $1 6. Ka6 Kc6 $1 7. Ka7 { White playing g7+ instead transposes to the main line. } ( 7. g7+ Kd7 8. Rh7 Ke6 $10 ) 7... Kc7 $1 8. Rh7+ { Finally, white has made a move they did not want to commit to! By starting the Slinky with the rook first, the head pawn loses its protection. The tail pawn in the Slinky is now too far behind to defend g6 in one move, so we can now revert to trying to win the Slinky instead of checkmating white's king. } 8... Kd6 $1 ( 8... Kc6 $4 { How does this attempt to win the Slinky? } 9. g7 Kd6 10. h4 Ke6 11. h5 Kf7 12. h6 Kg8 13. Rh8+ $18 ) ( 8... Kd8 $4 { After Rg7, white has just enough for a win because you just trapped your king on the back row! } 9. Rg7 Ke8 10. h4 Kf8 11. Rf7+ Kg8 12. h5 $18 ) 9. g7 Ke6 $1 ( 9... Ke5 $1 $10 { Also correct. Play Ke6 instead for the solution. } ) ( 9... Ke7 $4 { Oops. Now g8=Q comes with check! } 10. g8=Q+ $18 ) 10. h4 Kf7 $1 ( 10... Kf6 $1 { Equally good. Play Kf7 instead for the solution. } ) 11. h5 Rxg7 ( 11... Kg8 $1 $10 { Also correct. Play Rxg7 instead for the solution. } ) 12. Rxg7+ Kxg7 $10 { Fantastic job working through this difficult position. Sequences like this are the reason masters joke that "all rook endgames are drawn." King activity sometimes matters more than two pawns! } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 9: Punishing an inaccuracy in the Vancura"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/8WMhnFmC"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/5K2/8/8/r7 b - - 21 12"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

12... Rb1 $4 { If black played Rc1 instead of Rb1??, we would be back in the known Vancura draw. Instead, this move is a blunder that we need to punish. I said earlier "Rb1 superficially looks similar to the main line, but now white will have Rb7, gaining a key tempo on our unprotected rook in some lines."
Let's see if we can put the pieces together and find the win for white. } 13. Ra7+ $1 Kf8 { We will analyze the critical try with Kf6 in the next exercise. } ( 13... Kf6 14. Ke4 Ke6 ( 14... Rb6 ) 15. Ra8 Rb4+ 16. Kd3 Kd6 17. a7 ) 14. Rb7 $1 Ra1 { Now we appreciate an important difference between Rb1 and Rc1 in the Vancura! After Rb7, black had to move the rook back to a1 with a loss of time. With the rook on c1, Rb7 could always be met with Rc6 a7, Ra6. } 15. a7 { Nicely done! The pawn is no longer defended from in front, so we now have a lot more flexibility than when our rook is trapped on a8. } 15... Ke8 { Every move is now winning, but let's find the fastest way to promote the a pawn. } 16. Rb8+ Kd7 { Nice! Promotion is unstoppable. } 17. a8=Q Rxa8 18. Rxa8 $18 { Now that we understand why the king cannot go to the back rank after our rook check, let's explore what happens if the black king tries to walk up the board to challenge us next. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Exercise 10: The critical line after Rb1"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/FtnsZQmf"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/6k1/P7/8/5K2/8/8/r7 b - - 21 12"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

12... Rb1 $4 { We are repeating the previous exercise, but will now explore what happens after black walks up the board with the king instead. } 13. Ra7+ $1 Kf6 $1 { The winning check is now met with the critical move: Kf6. } 14. Ke4 $1 ( 14. Rb7 $4 $10 { After Ra1, a7 our king is still not helping escort the pawn. This contracts with the last exercise when black's king was on f8, and we could immediately queen. } ) 14... Ke6 { Black is trying to stop our king from reaching the a7 square. But there is a cost to marching the king so far from the g7/h7 safe squares... } 15. Ra8 $1 ( 15. Kd4 $4 { After Kd6, your king is not getting in. } 15... Kd6 $10 ) 15... Rb4+ 16. Kd3 ( 16. Ke3 $18 { Equally correct. Play Kd3 instead for the solution. } ) ( 16. Kf3 $18 { Equally correct. Play Kd3 instead for the solution. } ) 16... Ra4 17. a7 $1 $18 { Excellent job! Black's king is more than 1 square away from the g7/h7 safe squares, so we transition to the known winning rook and pawn endgame. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Practical endgame advice"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/hd0R1DWr"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "8/1kp5/1p6/p5r1/8/3P4/PPP4R/1K6 w - - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ I will leave this study with some practical endgame advice about rook endgames. In general, the fewer pawns on the board, the more likely the position will reach a draw. We have seen a few examples in this study where that is exactly the case. Moreover, it is a lot easier to trade pawns when all the pawns are on the same side of the board.

Therefore, as black in this position, we would want to trade off as many pawns as possible in order to reach an eventual Philidor position. One method of doing this is to setup our pawns in their current configuration, the so-called "wave cutter" pawn structure. In order for white to try and make progress by creating a passed pawn, three pawns will have to first be traded, leaving black with the desired Philidor position. Black should avoid trading rooks because the king and pawn endgames may be winning.

In rook endgames, 4 vs 3 are often drawn, 3 vs 2 are usually drawn, and 2 vs 1 or 1 vs 0 are almost always drawn using the techniques we've explored in this study. } *
[Event "Rook Endgames You Must Know!: Thanks for enjoying this study!"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM/HfA1qebt"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/NoseKnowsAll"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "R7/K5k1/P7/8/8/8/8/1r6 w - - 21 11"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.10.10"]
[UTCTime "22:16:38"]
[Variant "From Position"]

{ Be sure to like this study and share with your friends if you enjoyed it! Feel free to ask/answer any questions in the chat room if you're stuck on a key idea. You can check out my other instructive studies too if you're working on improving your game.
-NoseKnowsAll

* Beginner endgames you must know! https://lichess.org/study/wukLYIXj
* Intermediate endgames you must know! https://lichess.org/study/UsqmCsgC
* More endgames you must know! https://lichess.org/study/xtDSXkyi
* Advanced endgames you must know! https://lichess.org/study/UO2zqigQ
* Rook endgames you must know! https://lichess.org/study/bnboDhFM
* Knights | How to dominate your opponents! https://lichess.org/study/kI8ikTU4
* Bishops | Slice through the opposition! https://lichess.org/study/kNn68T8l
* Rooks | Infiltrate for activity! https://lichess.org/study/U7tTRtdj
* Always sacrifice the exchange! https://lichess.org/study/h3ccaYFE
* Beautiful checkmates https://lichess.org/study/YtBYXc3m } *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Introduction"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/l4rDVJOZ"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR b KQkq - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Hello, welcome to my new study, I like to see you again!

This study is mainly done for players <1200 who want to learn a defense to beat the popular Queen's Gambit with black pieces without having to study too much. Today I will teach you how to play Queen's Gambit Declined with black pieces.

Visit my next study: https://lichess.org/study/pVNYiJCB

I urge you to press the heart that is under the study if you like this study! Press the next chapters of this study to continue. } *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Queen's Gambit Declined"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/EUchbWoN"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "D30"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 { Please play 1.d5 against 1.d4 :) [%cal Gd7d5] } 1... d5 2. c4 { This is the popular Queen's Gambit, and most popular these days for the famous Netflix series! Many new players play this, and in fact, prior to the series, the Queen's Gambit was, as it is today, one of the most popular openings in chess.
Don't worry, for I'm here to teach you how to play against this opening, please continue with 2.e6. [%cal Ge7e6] } 2... e6 { Among other things, you can also play 2.dxc4 and accept the gambit, but the easiest thing is to play 2.e6, the QGD (Queen's Gambit Declined). This move is very classic, and it was the favorite opening of the best chess players of the past, and one of the best defenses to play against the QG (Queen's Gambit) in a very simple way.
In the following chapters, I will teach you the main moves and ideas of the QGD :) } *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Basic Development"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/Iu25LKBY"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "D53"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 { I ask you to perform the first moves that you learned in the previous chapter (chapter 2) } 1... d5 2. c4 e6 { Very well! This is the QGD (Queen's Gambit Declined)! } 3. Nc3 { Follow the arrows! :D [%csl Gf6][%cal Gg8f6] } 3... Nf6 4. Bg5 { [%csl Ge7][%cal Gf8e7] } 4... Be7 5. e3 { [%csl Gg8][%cal Ge8g8] } 5... O-O { This is so simple! This is the basic development of the QGD, what you have done is to develop the pieces quickly in good squares to castle on the kingside as quickly as possible.
Remember this basic development :) } *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Development Queenside"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/Rq33z2Lw"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "D58"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Tartakower Defense"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 { Now, perform the moves that you already know :) } 1... d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 { Good job. You really know the first plan, now, the next plan is to develop the queenside but first, you can gain time on the white bishop with 6.h6. [%csl Gh6][%cal Gh7h6] } 6... h6 7. Bh4 { Well, it's time to develop the queenside. A good idea to start with is to play 7.b6 and develop the c8 bishop for fianchetto. [%csl Gb6][%cal Yd8a8,Ya8d8,Gb7b6] } 7... b6 8. Bd3 { Follow the arrows :) [%csl Gb7][%cal Gc8b7] } 8... Bb7 { From b7, the black bishop is an excellent piece. Congratulations, you have solved your biggest problem, developing this bishop. [%csl Gb7] } 9. O-O { [%csl Gd7][%cal Gb8d7] } 9... Nbd7 { Now it is better to put your knight on d7 to support your other knight, and to make sure your c-pawn can move. [%csl Gb7][%cal Bc7c6,Bc6c5,Yd7f6,Yf6d7] } *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: What if ...cxd5?"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/8P1XN8Av"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "D35"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Exchange Variation, Positional Variation"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 { You know your moves, so do them :D } 1... d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. cxd5 { There will always be stress between the d5-c4 pawns, but normally White will end that tension by playing cxd5 at any time, so you must capture the pawn with your e6 pawn! [%csl Gd5][%cal Ge6d5] } 4... exd5 { There are 2 reasons why you should play exd5 if White plays cxd5.
1- Nxd5 is not so good, because it is a delivery of the center, while exd5 maintains a central pawn.
2- You have solved the problem of the bishop on c8, which is now free. [%csl Bd5,Bc8] } 5. Bg5 { Follow the arrows [%csl Ge7][%cal Gf8e7] } 5... Be7 6. e3 { [%csl Gc6][%cal Gc7c6] } 6... c6 { The plan after 6.c6 is to keep the defense of the d5 pawn. } 7. Bd3 { [%csl Gd7][%cal Gb8d7] } 7... Nbd7 { I know you're probably thinking that 7.Nbd7 only blocks the bishop but, think, where can we take this bishop? At the moment, he does not have a good square, so he will have to wait for the horse to move later. } 8. Qc2 { Qc2 is a very standard move for White pieces when playing QG, and even if it hurts, you must recognize that the diagonal will almost always be owned by White. But don't worry, attacks against h7 are not dangerous at all, as long as you keep a knight and your king up to date.
Now, laugh at the white menace and play O-O! [%csl Gg8][%cal Ge8g8,Rc2h7] } 8... O-O 9. Nf3 { [%csl Ge8][%cal Gf8e8] } 9... Re8 { Black has a good game, very solid and safe. Your next plan will be to move the black knight on d7 (perhaps to f8-g6) and then look for a good square for your bishop on c8. } *
[Event "Import"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/0WhkNTCE"]
[Date "2016.03.16"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Carlsen, Magnus"]
[Black "Topalov, Veselin"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[BlackElo "2777"]
[ECO "D58"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Tartakower Defense"]
[Termination "Unknown"]
[TimeControl "-"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]
[WhiteElo "2775"]

{ Edit: I decided to write for you in this chapter because I think it will be more instructive. } 1. d4 { This is a game between the reigning world champion, Magnus Carlsen with the white pieces, against Veselin Topalov, a great player who has the black pieces. } 1... Nf6 { As you know, the main move here is 1.d4, but this is also a good starting move. } 2. c4 { The popular Queen's Gambit! This study was made mainly for when Magnus plays this to you, you know what to do! } 2... e6 3. Nf3 d5 { Although it was not with the first moves, we are in the position of the QGD. } 4. Nc3 Be7 { Speeding up the castling [%cal Ge8g8] } 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 O-O { Now the kingside is developed [%csl Ge7,Gf6,Gg8,Gf8] } 7. e3 b6 { Remember this, since it is fundamental in your games with the QGD:
Once the kingside is developed, our interest will be the queenside, to then be prepared and play actively in the center with c5. [%cal Gc8b7] } 8. Bd3 Bb7 { In QGD the bishop on c8 doesn't have that much activity, but this is the solution, now this bishop feels very comfortable on b7 :) [%csl Gb7] } 9. O-O Nbd7 { Not on c6 so as not to hinder the bishop, moreover, from here the knight supports the next c5. [%csl Gc5][%cal Gc7c5,Yd7c5] } 10. Bg3 c5 $1 { After this, it could be said that the black pieces have played a formidable opening.
At the beginning of the game, your priority is to fight for the center, with 1.d4-2.d6, to then develop your kingside (with moves like Nf6, Be7, OO), and then the queenside (b6-Bb7, Nbd2), to then hit the center with c5! } 11. cxd5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 Bxd5 13. e4 Bb7 14. Rc1 a6 15. b4 cxb4 16. Bc7 Qe8 17. Qe2 b5 18. Ba5 Rc8 19. Qb2 Nf6 20. Rxc8 Qxc8 21. Nd2 Qc3 22. Qxc3 bxc3 23. Bxc3 Rc8 24. Ba5 Bd8 25. Bxd8 Rxd8 26. Rd1 Rxd4 27. Nb3 Rd8 28. f3 Kf8 29. Kf2 Nd7 30. Be2 Ke7 31. Na5 Ba8 32. Rc1 Kd6 33. Ke3 Nb6 34. f4 Rc8 35. Rxc8 Nxc8 36. Kd4 Ne7 37. Bf3 Kc7 38. Nb3 Kb6 39. Ke5 Ng6+ 40. Kd6 Nxf4 41. Nc5 b4 42. h4 a5 43. g3 Nh3 44. Nd7+ Ka7 45. Kc5 f5 46. Kb5 fxe4 47. Bh5 e3 48. Kxa5 g6 49. Bg4 h5 50. Be2 Ng1 51. Bf1 e2 52. Bxe2 Nxe2 53. Nf8 Be4 54. Nxe6 Nxg3 55. Nf4 Kb7 56. Kxb4 Kc6 { 0-1 Black wins. } 0-1
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Practice the QGD!"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/NaDWRe6n"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "D53"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 { Now, the last chapter of learning, in which we will review ALL the moves seen so far in the study, with the plan that you are completely memorized in your beautiful and prepared brain.
Which is the first step? } 1... d5 { 1.d5 is your first step. It is a simple starting move, which fights for the center very early. } 2. c4 { As you know, this is the popular Queen's Gambit, which does not scare you far from it, because you respond with?... } 2... e6 { The QGD! A solid and simple game plan. } 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 { Your bishop on f8 feels extremely comfortable on e7! } 5. e3 O-O { With this, you finally completely finish the first 3 chapters of the study. The basic development of the kingside. } 6. Bd3 h6 { 6.h6 is always useful in QGD :) } 7. Bh4 b6 { 7.b6 is an attempt (successful), to solve the problem of your bishop on c8. This is the basis of your next plan, developing the queenside. } 8. Nf3 Bb7 { From here, the black bishop is now an excellent piece. [%csl Gb7] } 9. O-O Nbd7 10. cxd5 { You do not know this, well, in fact you know something similar thanks to chapter 5 but, even so I will comment a bit on what is happening. As I told you, cxd5 is a standard move in QG, so you have to be prepared. In chapter 5, I showed you this but in move 4, however I mentioned that it can happen at any time.
Suppose now White decides to play cxd5, what would you play in this position? } 10... Nxd5 { The move cxd4 is a standard move in QG, if the white pieces are quick then it is better to capture with exd5, but if they are late (like now), it is best to play Nxd5.
The move exd5 I explained in chapter 5, now, I'll explain why Nxd5. There are 2 reasons, the first is that if you capture with the pawn your bishop on b7 will lose value, and the second is that you have less space, so changing pieces would be great for you! Nxd5 is the best move, since now many pieces will be exchanged and your position will be relieved. } ( 10... exd5 { Wait Lenin! You told me in Chapter 5 that when White plays cxd5 I must play exd4!: Yes, but only when cxd4 is early. If cxd4 is a bit late like now, it is best to play Nxd5.
So what is the reason why it is not good to play exd5 now? The pawn spoils the bishop's diagonal on b7. } ) *
[Event "Queen's Gambit Declined: Conclusion"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/4NDhDHBV/PgBiCERJ"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "?"]
[FEN "rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"]
[Opening "?"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2022.02.15"]
[UTCTime "14:07:12"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ You are in the final part of the study.

I hope I have helped you learn a solid and safe defense to play against the Queen's Gambit in a very simple way, and now that you have learned the QGD play some games and practice!

If this study was useful to you, and you value my hours of effort, work and dedication, it can only put pressure on the heart that is underneath the study and I will thank you forever.

Thank you very much for watching, I am Lenin PÃ©rez and we will see you in a next study! } *