Chess Puzzle #0NEXD — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 854 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short, skewer.

Position

White: king e3; rook c1; pawns a3/h2. Black: king d5; rook c7; pawns a7/c2/g4/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kc4 — king d5→c4. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxc2+ — rook c1→c2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kd5 (king c4→d5).
  3. Best move: Rxc7 — rook c2→c7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short, skewer. The key move Rxc2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1r4p/6p1/3k4/6p1/P3K3/2p4P/2R5 b - - 1 44

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