Chess Puzzle #041xC — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 813 · Beginner · endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king f6; rook b6; pawn h2. Black: king g8; rook c5; pawns a5/b5/f5/f7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: b4 — pawn b5→b4. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c5→c8).
  3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p1p/1R3K2/ppr2p2/8/8/7P/8 b - - 6 37

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.