Chess Puzzle #Aaqrl — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2323 · Expert · advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long.

Position

White: king g1; rook c8; pawns f4/h6. Black: king g4; rook a3; pawns a6/c3/d6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook c8→c2, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rh3 (rook a3→h3).
  3. Best move: Rh2 — rook c2→h2. Opponent replies Rb3 (rook h3→b3).
  4. Best move: Rg2+ — rook h2→g2, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf4 (king g4→f4, captures pawn).
  5. Best move: h7 — pawn h6→h7. Opponent replies Rb8 (rook b3→b8).
  6. Best move: Rg8 — rook g2→g8.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/8/p2p3P/8/5Pk1/r1p5/8/6K1 b - - 0 42

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