How should rook to a chess newbie nyt be interpreted?

[BrendanMal]

The clue rook to a chess newbie nyt sounds clever but unclear. Is it pointing to a beginner misunderstanding how the rook moves? NYT clues often rely on perspective. I’d love to hear how others read it.

 

[Audrey]

The NYT hint How should rook to a chess beginner can be read as straight, as the rook travels in straight lines and therefore the explanation of the rules of chess is mixed with a playful pun at the expense of beginners.