Every Russian Schoolboy Knows: Why did Magnus lose that rook ending - Part 1

Opening: :

Player(s): Carlsen, Caruana

Former World Champion and legendary chess teacher Mikhail Botvinnik was the originator of the “Every Russian school boy knows” chess aphorism, which alluded to the fact that thousands of unknown schoolboys back in Russia - due to the intense training methods they received from a young age - likely knew more about the game than most professionals did in the West. One player who came through that legendary Soviet training camp is former U.S. Champion GM Alexander Yermolinsky.  And each Sunday in his show, “Every Russian Schoolboy Knows”, Alex will explain and expand on all the top tips and tricks gleaned from those famed training methods.

First we will learn how important is to have the defending king cut off. It can be done both vertically and horizontally. If the defending king is close by then it becomes more difficult. The h-pawn cannot provide the attacking king with shelter from side checks, so some intricate maneuvering of the rook is required in order to shield the king. It sounds pretty complicated, eh? But GM Yermolinsky - your favorite Russian schoolboy - will make it easy to understand in his new series. Don't miss your chance to learn about one of the most important endings in the game!