Chess Puzzle #3cRX3 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Rating 1102 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, short, skewer.

Position

White: king d1; rook h8; pawns b4/e5/f4. Black: king c6; bishops d4/d5; pawns b5/e6/f5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bc3 — bishop d4→c3. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook h8→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c6→d7).
  3. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short, skewer. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 7R/8/2k1p3/1p1bPp2/1P1b1P2/8/8/3K4 b - - 18 85

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