Chess Puzzle #8HvQz — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2312 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long.

Position

White: king b4; rook h7; pawns a7/h2. Black: king g2; rook a5; pawn g4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxa7 — rook a5→a7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxa7 — rook h7→a7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxh2 (king g2→h2, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Rh7+ — rook a7→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king h2→g2).
  4. Best move: Kc3 — king b4→c3. Opponent replies g3 (pawn g4→g3).
  5. Best move: Kd2 — king c3→d2.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxa7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/P6R/8/r7/1K4p1/8/6kP/8 b - - 3 45

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