Chess Puzzle #21YpD — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h4; rook d8; pawns d6/g3. Black: king h6; rook f5; pawns g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf1 — rook f5→f1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook d8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h6→g7).
3. Best move: d7 — pawn d6→d7. Opponent replies Kxh8 (king g7→h8, captures rook).
4. Best move: d8=Q+ — pawn d7→d8, promotes to queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame. The key move is Rh8+.

Position data

FEN: 3R4/8/3P2pk/5r1p/7K/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 50

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