Chess Puzzle #1zMXZ — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2202 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king d3; rook c7; pawns a5/c3. Black: king f5; rook a4; pawn c6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a4→a5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxc6 — rook c7→c6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Ke5 (king f5→e5).
  3. Best move: Kc4 — king d3→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/2R5/2p5/P4k2/r7/2PK4/8/8 b - - 0 42

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