The most famous and critical winning technique in Rook endgames. White has a pawn on the 7th rank with the King in front. White uses the "building a bridge" technique to escape checks and promote.
The Lucena Position (Rook Endgame Bridge) Interactive Position
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Position Analysis
Starting position. Use the controls below to step through the moves.
Essential Endgame Principles
Step 1: Cut off the defending King by placing your Rook on the adjacent file or giving a check.
Step 2: Place your Rook on the 4th rank (the "bridge" square, e.g. Rd4/Rb4).
Step 3: Step your King out from the 8th rank to the 7th rank (e.g. Ke7/Kd7).
Step 4: When Black checks with the Rook, march your King down toward the 4th rank and interpose your Rook to block the final check.
Step-by-Step Technique
1. Rd8+ Ke7 2. Rd4! (The Bridge Move — placing the Rook on the 4th rank).