Chess Puzzle #R1zT3 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2218 · Expert · crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame.

Position

White: king c4; rook a7; pawns f2/g2/h4. Black: king c8; rook b8; pawns a5/b6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rb7 — rook b8→b7. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxb7 — rook a7→b7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxb7 (king c8→b7, captures rook).
  3. Best move: g4 — pawn g2→g4. Opponent replies Kc7 (king b7→c7).
  4. Best move: gxh5 — pawn g4→h5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1rk5/R7/1p6/p6p/2K4P/8/5PP1/8 b - - 7 35

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