Chess Puzzle #14OPK — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1010 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame.

Position

White: king g2; rook d5; pawns a2/b2/c3/g5. Black: king g6; rook h5; pawns a6/b5/c4/f7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxg5+ — rook h5→g5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Rxg5+ (rook d5→g5, captures rook, gives check).
  3. Best move: Kxg5 — king g6→g5, captures rook. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a4→b5, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: axb5 — pawn a6→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxg5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/p5k1/1p1R2Pr/2p5/2P5/PP4K1/8 w - - 2 38

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