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

Rating 1266 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, short.

Position

White: king f1; rook a6; pawns b4/b5/f5/h2. Black: king f6; bishop b6; knight f4; pawns c3/g4/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxb6+ — rook a6→b6, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf5 (king f6→f5, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Rc6 — rook b6→c6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Rxb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/Rb3k1p/1P3P2/1P3np1/2p5/7P/5K2 b - - 0 38

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