Chess Puzzle #3FtEG — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f6; rook a7; pawns a3/c3/c4/g3/h4. Black: king h8; rook g2; pawns b6/c5/g4/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxg3 — rook g2→g3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kg6 — king f6→g6. Opponent replies Rf3 (rook g3→f3).
3. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f3→f8).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook a8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, exposed king, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/R7/1p3K2/2p4p/2P3pP/P1P3P1/6r1/8 b - - 0 38

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