8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a1
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The king's box: 48 squares
0/29
The idea
The rook draws a fence the king cannot cross; your king pushes it back and the fence moves in, until the box is one row against the edge.
A box drawn by the rook, with your king pushing the wall in.
- Cut the king off with the rook along a file or a rank: that is the box.
- Bring your king towards the enemy king; the rook stays far from it, so it cannot be attacked.
- When your king guards the next row, move the rook in: the box shrinks.
- If the kings face each other, a rook check along the edge drives the king back, or mates on the last row.
- If you have nothing useful to do, make a waiting move with the rook along its line.
Press Next (or →) to watch the technique, move by move. Your side starts.
Every verdict comes from the Lichess tablebase (exact for seven pieces or fewer).