Chess Puzzle #2fQMv — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; rook b1; pawns b5/g3/h4. Black: king c5; rook b8; pawns f5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb5 — rook b8→b5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb5+ — rook b1→b5, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king c5→b5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kg5 — king f4→g5. Opponent replies Kc5 (king b5→c5).
4. Best move: Kh6 — king g5→h6. Opponent replies Kd5 (king c5→d5).
5. Best move: Kxh7 — king h6→h7, captures pawn. Opponent replies f4 (pawn f5→f4).
6. Best move: gxf4 — pawn g3→f4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/7p/6p1/1Pk2p2/5K1P/6P1/8/1R6 b - - 8 41

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