Chess Puzzle #3k4rj — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e1; rook d5; pawn h7. Black: king d3; rook d2; pawns e3/f3. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke4 — king d3→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd2 — rook d5→d2, captures rook. Opponent replies exd2+ (pawn e3→d2, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxd2 — king e1→d2, captures pawn. Opponent replies f2 (pawn f3→f2).
4. Best move: Ke2 — king d2→e2. Opponent replies f1=Q+ (pawn f2→f1, promotes to queen, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxf1 — king e2→f1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7P/8/3R4/8/3kpp2/3r4/4K3 b - - 1 62

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