Chess Puzzle #4Ix7n — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1358 · Intermediate · deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king h3; rook a7; pawns a4/g3/h2. Black: king f5; rook b2; pawns b6/g5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: g4+ — pawn g5→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kh4 (king h3→h4).
  3. Best move: Rxh2# — rook b2→h2, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxh2# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/R7/1p6/5kp1/P7/6PK/1r5P/8 w - - 1 35

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