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

Position

White: king f2; rook a3; pawns c4/f3/g4. Black: king f4; rook e7; pawns c5/d4/g5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re3 — rook e7→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe3 — rook a3→e3, captures rook. Opponent replies dxe3+ (pawn d4→e3, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke2 — king f2→e2. Opponent replies Kg3 (king f4→g3).
4. Best move: Kxe3 — king e2→e3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame, zugzwang. The key move Rxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/4r3/8/2p3p1/2Pp1kP1/R4P2/5K2/8 b - - 11 43

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.