Chess Puzzle #AraTX — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f5; rook b6; pawns e5/f6. Black: king f7; rook c7; pawns b2/c4/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: e6+ — pawn e5→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king f7→g8).
3. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
4. Best move: Rxc8# — rook b8→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, exposed king, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/2r2k1p/1R3P2/4PK2/2p5/8/1p6/8 b - - 5 40

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