Chess Puzzle #I9Ha2 — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; rook d3; pawns a3/b4/c5/g3. Black: king b5; rook f5; pawns a6/b7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf3 — rook d3→f3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxf3+ — rook f5→f3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf3 (king f2→f3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ka4 — king b5→a4. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f3→e2).
4. Best move: Kxa3 — king a4→a3, captures pawn. Opponent replies b5 (pawn b4→b5).
5. Best move: axb5 — pawn a6→b5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxf3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p6/p6p/1kP2r2/1P6/P2R2P1/5K2/8 w - - 0 44

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