Chess Puzzle #BGthq — Master, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2440 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame.

Position

White: king c2; rook a4; pawns g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook g1; pawns a2/g7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook a4→a2, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxg2+ — rook g1→g2, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c2→b3).
  3. Best move: Rxa2 — rook g2→a2, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxa2 (king b3→a2, captures rook).
  4. Best move: Kf7 — king g8→f7.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxg2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/8/8/R7/7P/p1K3P1/6r1 w - - 2 44

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