Chess Puzzle #XW8Ql — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c3; rook e1; pawns a5/d3/e3/f4/h4. Black: king c5; rook g3; pawns c4/d5/f5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook g3→e3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe3 — rook e1→e3, captures rook. Opponent replies d4+ (pawn d5→d4, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc2 — king c3→c2. Opponent replies dxe3 (pawn d4→e3, captures rook).
4. Best move: dxc4 — pawn d3→c4, captures pawn. Opponent replies e2 (pawn e3→e2).
5. Best move: Kd2 — king c2→d2. Opponent replies e1=Q+ (pawn e2→e1, promotes to queen, gives check).
6. Best move: Kxe1 — king d2→e1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/6p1/P1kp1p2/2p2P1P/2KPP1r1/8/4R3 b - - 0 48

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