Chess Puzzle #2fifU — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; rooks h1/h7; pawns d3/f2. Black: king g8; rooks a2/f8; pawns b7/d4/e5/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h7→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: R1h7+ — rook h1→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king g7→f6).
4. Best move: Rxf8 — rook h8→f8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rh8+.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/1p3p1R/6p1/4p3/3p4/3P1K2/r4P2/7R b - - 0 33

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