Chess Puzzle #C3QEY — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rooks d1/d4; pawns a2/g3/h3. Black: king h8; rook d8; pawns a6/b7/c5/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d8→d4, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd4 — rook d1→d4, captures rook. Opponent replies cxd4 (pawn c5→d4, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kf3 — king g2→f3. Opponent replies d3 (pawn d4→d3).
4. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3. Opponent replies d2 (pawn d3→d2).
5. Best move: Kxd2 — king e3→d2, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r3k/1p5p/p7/2p5/3R4/6PP/P5K1/3R4 b - - 0 40

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