Chess Puzzle #3bpIZ — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1344 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, intermezzo, master, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king f3; rook e4; pawns b4/c3/g3. Black: king d6; rook a4; pawns a5/b6/e5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: bxa5 — pawn b4→a5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxe4 — rook a4→e4, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king f3→e4, captures rook).
  3. Best move: bxa5 — pawn b6→a5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, intermezzo, master, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxe4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p1k4/p3p3/rP2R3/2P2KP1/8/8 w - - 0 40

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.