Chess Puzzle #IpTfd — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Rating 2053 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame.

Position

White: king e2; rook b5; pawns a6/d3/d5/e4/g3. Black: king g6; rook c7; pawns a7/c4/d6/e5/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rb7 — rook b5→b7. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c7→c8).
  3. Best move: Kd1 — king e2→d1. Opponent replies c2+ (pawn c3→c2, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kc1 — king d1→c1.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rb7.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1r5/P2p2k1/1R1Pp3/2p1P1p1/3P2P1/4K3/8 b - - 0 38

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.