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

Position

White: king c3; rook b8; pawns a4/b7. Black: king h7; rook e5; bishop e2; pawns f7/g7/h3. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ba6 — bishop e2→a6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook b8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh8 (king h7→h8, captures rook).
3. Best move: b8=Q+ — pawn b7→b8, promotes to queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
4. Best move: Qxe5 — queen b8→e5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, attraction, crushing, endgame, fork, long, promotion. The key move is Rh8+.

Position data

FEN: 1R6/1P3ppk/8/4r3/P7/2K4p/4b3/8 b - - 0 47

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