Chess Puzzle #2X0GF — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2117 · Expert · defensive move, endgame, equality, rook endgame, very long, zugzwang.

Position

White: king f3; rook h3. Black: king g5; rook g4; pawns f6/h4. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rg3+ — rook g4→g3, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxg3+ — rook h3→g3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies hxg3 (pawn h4→g3, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Kxg3 — king f3→g3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g5→f5).
  4. Best move: Kf3 — king g3→f3. Opponent replies Ke5 (king f5→e5).
  5. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3. Opponent replies f5 (pawn f6→f5).
  6. Best move: Kf3 — king e3→f3.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, rook endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move Rxg3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/5p2/6k1/6rp/5K1R/8/8 b - - 1 44

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