Chess Puzzle #0xPj8 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2046 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king d5; rook c4; pawns a5/b4. Black: king a8; rook c1; pawn a6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc4 — rook c1→c4, captures rook. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxc4 — king d5→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies Kb8 (king a8→b8).
  3. Best move: Kd5 — king c4→d5. Opponent replies Kc7 (king b8→c7).
  4. Best move: Kc5 — king d5→c5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Kxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: k7/8/p7/P2K4/1PR5/8/8/2r5 b - - 15 65

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