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

Position

White: king b4; rook b7; pawn a6. Black: king h6; rook g7; pawn h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rg6 — rook g7→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Ra6 (rook g6→a6).
3. Best move: Kb5 — king b4→b5. Opponent replies Ra1 (rook a6→a1).
4. Best move: Rb6+ — rook b7→b6, gives check. Opponent replies Kg5 (king h6→g5).
5. Best move: Ra6 — rook b6→a6.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, master, rook endgame, very long. The key move is a7.

Position data

FEN: 8/1R4r1/P6k/7p/1K6/8/8/8 b - - 2 51

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