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

Position

White: king g4; rook h5; pawns b5/h3. Black: king b4; rook a5; pawns a7/b6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb5 — rook a5→b5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb5+ — rook h5→b5, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king b4→b5, captures rook).
3. Best move: h4 — pawn h3→h4. Opponent replies a5 (pawn a7→a5).
4. Best move: h5 — pawn h4→h5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, quiet move, rook endgame. The key move Rxb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1p6/rP5R/1k4K1/7P/8/8 b - - 4 74

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