Chess Puzzle #4N5oR — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d1; rook h1; pawns f6/h4. Black: king c8; rook a2; pawns a7/b7/c6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra1+ — rook a2→a1, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke2 — king d1→e2. Opponent replies Rxh1 (rook a1→h1, captures rook).
3. Best move: f7 — pawn f6→f7. Opponent replies Kc7 (king c8→c7).
4. Best move: f8=Q — pawn f7→f8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame, sacrifice. The key move is Ke2.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/pp6/2p2P2/8/7P/8/r7/3K3R b - - 0 36

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