Chess Puzzle #1SC62 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 1035 · Beginner · crushing, deflection, endgame, long, rook endgame.

Position

White: king g1; rook c1. Black: king f3; rook d2; pawn g2. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rf2 — rook d2→f2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc3+ — rook c1→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Kg4 (king f3→g4).
  3. Best move: Kxf2 — king g1→f2, captures rook. Opponent replies g1=Q+ (pawn g2→g1, promotes to queen, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kxg1 — king f2→g1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/8/8/5k2/3r2p1/2R3K1 b - - 9 68

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