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Recap: never let a win slip
Edge, escort, mate.
Every basic mate is the same idea: drive the lone king to an edge, then deliver the final check with no escape. Two rooks do it alone by laddering; the queen and the rook each need your king marched up alongside to cover the escape squares. And always watch for stalemate when you're a queen or rook ahead.
These only become automatic with reps. Convert winning king-and-piece endings in the Endgame Trainer until they're second nature.
- Drive the king to the edge; bring your king up to help.
- Two rooks ladder alone; queen/rook need the king's escort.
- Don't stalemate — leave a square until the mating move.