The Lucena position — building a bridge

If you learn one rook endgame, make it the Lucena position. It appears again and again, and knowing it turns half points into full points.

White to move and win:

The winning method is called "building a bridge": cut the black king off with a rook check, bring the rook to the fourth rank, then use it to shield your king from checks so the pawn can promote.

1. Rd1+ Ke7 2. Rd4! — the rook goes to the 4th rank, then the king walks out and the rook blocks the checks.

Try it on the board, then post your questions. Next we can look at its twin: the Philidor defence. ♜