Chess Puzzle #23v1Z — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Rating 824 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, master, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king b4; rook a5; pawns a2/d4/e5/f4. Black: king c6; rook b2; pawns c4/c7/e6/f5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ka4 — king b4→a4. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxa2+ — rook b2→a2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb4 (king a4→b4).
  3. Best move: Rxa5 — rook a2→a5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/2p5/2k1p3/R3Pp2/1KpP1P2/8/Pr6/8 w - - 6 48

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