Chess Puzzle #46ZsC — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; rook b6; pawns e5/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g6; rook e3; bishop f7; pawns b3/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh5 — king g6→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: g4+ — pawn g2→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kh4 (king h5→h4).
3. Best move: Rxh6+ — rook b6→h6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Bh5 (bishop f7→h5).
4. Best move: Rxh5# — rook h6→h5, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxh5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/5b2/1R4kp/4P1p1/8/1p2rP1P/6PK/8 b - - 2 43

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