Chess Puzzle #XM3CK — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king h3; rook h7; pawns g3/h4. Black: king e6; rook c4; pawn d3. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rh6+ — rook h7→h6, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Ke5 — king e6→e5. Opponent replies Rh8 (rook h6→h8).
3. Best move: d2 — pawn d3→d2. Opponent replies Re8+ (rook h8→e8, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king e5→d4.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Ke5.

Position data

FEN: 8/7R/4k3/8/2r4P/3p2PK/8/8 w - - 0 49

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