Chess Puzzle #CQhC8 — Advanced, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king b4; rook a1; pawn c5. Black: king d7; rook h3; pawns a3/g6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3 — rook a1→a3, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa3 — rook h3→a3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxa3 (king b4→a3, captures rook).
3. Best move: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Opponent replies Kb4 (king a3→b4).
4. Best move: g4 — pawn g5→g4. Opponent replies Kc3 (king b4→c3).
5. Best move: g3 — pawn g4→g3. Opponent replies Kd4 (king c3→d4).
6. Best move: g2 — pawn g3→g2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, quiet move, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxa3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/6p1/2P5/1K6/p6r/8/R7 w - - 0 57

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