A rook endgame occurs in chess when only a few pieces remain on the board, typically involving rooks and pawns. In these situations, the player with the rook often has a significant advantage, as rooks are powerful pieces capable of controlling open files and ranks. The goal is usually to promote pawns into queens while preventing the opponent from doing the same. Understanding basic rook endgame techniques is crucial for improving chess skills. Key concepts include the importance of king activity, the principle of opposition, and the ability to create passed pawns. Mastering these strategies can lead to winning positions and better overall performance in chess games.