Chess Puzzle #15aUc — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 949 · Beginner · advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame.

Position

White: king g1; rook d4; pawns a7/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook c5; pawns c3/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ra5 — rook c5→a5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d4→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
  3. Best move: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen. Opponent replies Rxa8 (rook a5→a8, captures queen).
  4. Best move: Rxa8 — rook d8→a8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/P4p1p/6p1/2r5/3R1P2/2p3P1/7P/6K1 b - - 0 38

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