Chess Puzzle #8Ahev — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Rating 1987 · Advanced · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king g1; rook b5; pawns a2/b2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook e4; pawns d4/f6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Re5 — rook e4→e5. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxe5 — rook b5→e5, captures rook. Opponent replies fxe5 (pawn f6→e5, captures rook).
  3. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/5p1p/1R6/3pr3/8/PP4PP/6K1 b - - 0 28

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