Chess Puzzle #EKYKF — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; rook a6; pawns a2/c3/c6. Black: king f8; rook e4; pawns b5/e5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc4 — rook e4→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Opponent replies Rxa4 (rook c4→a4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: c7 — pawn c6→c7. Opponent replies Rc4 (rook a4→c4).
4. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a6→a8, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is a4.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/6pp/R1P5/1p2p3/4r3/1KP5/P7/8 b - - 0 38

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