Chess Puzzle #GEStn — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; rook a6; pawns d5/e4/g3/h5. Black: king d7; rook b3; pawns a3/c3. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h6 — pawn h5→h6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Opponent replies Rc6 (rook a6→c6).
3. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook c6→c2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: a1=Q — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame. The key move is c2.

Position data

FEN: 8/3k4/R7/3P3P/4PK2/prp3P1/8/8 w - - 0 45

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