Chess Puzzle #PZEJx — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f1; rook c4; pawns a4/b3. Black: king f3; rook c2; pawns f2/f4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook c2→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf4+ — rook c4→f4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke3 (king f3→e3).
3. Best move: Re4+ — rook f4→e4, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king e3→e4, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kxe2 — king f1→e2, captures rook. Opponent replies f1=Q+ (pawn f2→f1, promotes to queen, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxf1 — king e2→f1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/8/P1R2p2/1P3k2/2r2p2/5K2 b - - 2 59

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