Chess Puzzle #2L89I — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 816 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king c3; rook c5; pawn a3. Black: king h1; rook d4; pawn g3. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: g2 — pawn g3→g2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rh5+ — rook c5→h5, gives check. Opponent replies Rh4 (rook d4→h4).
  3. Best move: Rxh4+ — rook h5→h4, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxh4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/2R5/3r4/P1K3p1/8/7k b - - 0 52

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