Chess Puzzle #1Co5n — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; rook h7. Black: king d1; rook c2; pawn d3. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d2 — pawn d3→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh1+ — rook h7→h1, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king d1→e2).
3. Best move: Kxc2 — king b3→c2, captures rook. Opponent replies d1=Q+ (pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxd1 — rook h1→d1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rh1+.

Position data

FEN: 8/7R/8/8/8/1K1p4/2r5/3k4 b - - 19 51

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