Chess Puzzle #2Pxqy — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2312 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king h3; rook e3; pawns b4/c3/e6/g5. Black: king e7; rook d6; pawns a7/b6/c7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxe6 — rook d6→e6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxe6+ — rook e3→e6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe6 (king e7→e6, captures rook).
  3. Best move: b5 — pawn b4→b5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxe6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1p1k3/1p1rP3/6P1/1P6/2P1R2K/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.