Chess Puzzle #IsZ34 — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Rating 1551 · Intermediate · crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, rook endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king g2; rook f2; pawn f4. Black: king g4; rook c4; pawn f5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rf3 — rook f2→f3. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rc2+ — rook c4→c2, gives check. Opponent replies Rf2 (rook f3→f2).
  3. Best move: Rxf2+ — rook c2→f2, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf2 (king g2→f2, captures rook).
  4. Best move: Kxf4 — king g4→f4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, rook endgame, zugzwang. The key move Rxf2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/5p2/2r2Pk1/8/5RK1/8 w - - 3 77

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