Chess Puzzle #1Epm7 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Rating 1430 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king e3; rook c5; pawns b5/f4/g3. Black: king g6; rook d6; pawns f7/g4/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rb6 — rook d6→b6. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc6+ — rook c5→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc6 (rook b6→c6, captures rook).
  3. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move is Rc6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/3r2k1/1PR4p/5Pp1/4K1P1/8/8 b - - 0 43

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