Chess Puzzle #5QVnU — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Rating 1263 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, interference, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king c3; rook h8. Black: king d5; rook d4; pawn h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ke5 — king d5→e5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rh5+ — rook h8→h5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke4 (king e5→e4).
  3. Best move: Rxh4+ — rook h5→h4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, interference, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxh4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7R/8/8/3k4/3r3p/2K5/8/8 b - - 5 62

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