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Intermediate · 19/20
Philidor defence
Defend a difficult rook ending using the third-rank barrier.
Learn this chess concept step by step, then practise it on the interactive ChessRivo board.
Open interactive lessonAbout this lesson
The Philidor position is a fundamental drawing method when the defending king is in front of the pawn.
Key ideas
- Keep the attacking king from advancing by controlling the third rank.
- When the pawn advances, switch to checks from behind.
- Do not become passive too early on the back rank.
Coach tip: Third-rank defense first, checking from behind later.
Test yourself
What is the key defensive idea in Philidor?
- Use the third-rank barrier
- Trade the rook for the pawn immediately
- Push your own rook pawn
Show answer
Correct answer: Use the third-rank barrier
Practise this lesson interactively
Open the ChessRivo Academy board exercise for this exact lesson. Your progress is saved when you are signed in.
Open interactive lessonHow to use this lesson in a real game
Turn the idea into a repeatable decision process.
- Before moving, name the position feature this lesson is about.
- Find one candidate move that follows the lesson idea and one alternative.
- After the game, return to the critical position and compare your choice with the lesson.