Chess Puzzle #CGyuC — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e3; rook f7; pawn e5. Black: king b4; bishop g4; pawns a4/b5/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf4+ — rook f7→f4, gives check. Opponent replies Kc3 (king b4→c3).
3. Best move: Rxg4 — rook f4→g4, captures bishop. Opponent replies a2 (pawn a3→a2).
4. Best move: Rg1 — rook g4→g1. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b5→b4).
5. Best move: e6 — pawn e5→e6. Opponent replies b3 (pawn b4→b3).
6. Best move: e7 — pawn e6→e7. Opponent replies b2 (pawn b3→b2).
7. Best move: e8=Q — pawn e7→e8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, fork, promotion, very long. The key move is Rf4+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5R2/6p1/1p2P3/pk4b1/4K3/8/8 b - - 0 39

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