Chess Puzzle #1vsxj — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 841 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king e1; rook e2; pawns a2/e4/h2. Black: king g4; rook a3; pawns a6/f6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kd2 — king e1→d2. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxa2+ — rook a3→a2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kd3 (king d2→d3).
  3. Best move: Rxe2 — rook a2→e2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxa2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p4p2/8/4P1k1/r7/P3R2P/4K3 w - - 4 42

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