Chess Puzzle #5FIF2 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b2; rook c8; pawn a2. Black: king d4; rook d3; pawn b5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b4 — pawn b5→b4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook c8→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc4 (king d4→c4).
3. Best move: Rxd3 — rook d8→d3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxd3 (king c4→d3, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kb3 — king b2→b3. Opponent replies Ke4 (king d3→e4).
5. Best move: Kxb4 — king b3→b4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/8/8/1p6/3k4/3r4/PK6/8 b - - 20 58

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