Chess Puzzle #3RW6F — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d2; rook b6; pawns a4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king b3; rook a2; pawns c2/f5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxa4 — king b3→a4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra6+ — rook b6→a6, gives check. Opponent replies Kb5 (king a4→b5).
3. Best move: Rxa2 — rook a6→a2, captures rook. Opponent replies c1=Q+ (pawn c2→c1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxc1 — king d2→c1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame, skewer. The key move is Ra6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/1R5p/5p2/P7/1k3P2/r1pK2PP/8 b - - 2 36

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