Chess Puzzle #FBb4U — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c3; rook b8; pawns c4/g3. Black: king e7; rook d4; pawns e5/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd6 — king e7→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook b8→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc5 (king d6→c5).
3. Best move: Rxd4 — rook d8→d4, captures rook. Opponent replies exd4+ (pawn e5→d4, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king c3→d3. Opponent replies Kb4 (king c5→b4).
5. Best move: Kxd4 — king d3→d4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long, zugzwang. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 1R6/4k3/8/4p3/2Pr2p1/2K3P1/8/8 b - - 3 50

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