King and rook checkmate
White to move and win.
The most common basic mate in real games. The rook cuts the king off, and your king takes the opposition to force it back.
The idea
- Use the rook to cut off a rank or file, and do not let the enemy king cross it.
- Bring your king directly opposite the enemy king, then check.
- When the kings are not opposite, make a waiting move with the rook.