Chess Patterns ❯ Rook and Queen Techniques ❯ Rook Lift

Rook Lift

A Rook Lift is a chess maneuver where a Rook is moved vertically up the board, typically to the third rank (for White, or sixth rank for Black) to become more active. The lift often involves moving the Rook to a rank where it can then swing to an open or semi-open file, supporting an attack on the opponent's kingside, applying pressure in the center, or playing a key role in defensive strategies.

In the diagram above, White is mounting a strong attack on the kingside, but the only piece not yet participating is the Rook. White adds it to the attack with the powerful Rook lift 1.Rf3. The Rook will soon go to h3 and increase White's pressure on the opponent's castled position.

Designed with Love in Italy

These chess icons are our indie studio's tribute to chess lovers around the world. A way of making chess more visual and fun. You can use the icons for free in publicly accessible content, simply by crediting us (see our Licensing Policy). Each icon is paired with examples and numbered insights to help you pick up ideas quickly and talk about chess with confidence. You can get the cards here.

View full details

Master the Rook Lift

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on Rook Lifts. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this powerful technique.

Rook Lifts Explained for Chess Beginners
This is video by the growing Chess Explained YouTube channel is a great introduction to Rook Lifts. All the important key points are in here followed by a couple of nice examples. Ideal for beginners.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Chess Strategy: What is a Rook Lift in Chess?
Have a look at this excellent video by The Chess Giant. Four top-player games are presented here, all of which are centered around the Rook Lift idea. Ideal for intermediate players.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE
The Crushing Rook Lift*
Another nice video by GM Dejan Bojkov in the massive chess.com collection of lessons. Have a go at it to see the Rook Lifts in action, accompanied by expert commentary. For intermediate level and above.

WATCH ON CHESS.COM
How to Win At Chess: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond*
If you are a beginner, this book by Levy Rozman is a wonderful starting point. You can read through all of it without needing to use a board. Rook lifts are explained as well.

GET IT ON AMAZON
The Silicon Road to Chess Improvement*
This fascinating new book by Matthew Sadler offers a unique approach to training and improvement using chess engines. Ideal for intermediate and advanced players.

GET IT ON AMAZON