Chess Puzzle #085E0 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 740 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short, skewer.

Position

White: king b2; rook b3. Black: king d5; rook c8. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc5 — king d5→c5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc3+ — rook b3→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c5→d6).
  3. Best move: Rxc8 — rook c3→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short, skewer. The key move is Rc3+.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/8/8/3k4/8/1R6/1K6/8 b - - 6 77

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