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

Position

White: king e3; rook a7; pawns a3/d7/f4/h2. Black: king d8; rook d5; pawns a4/g4/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd7 — rook d5→d7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd7+ — rook a7→d7, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd7 (king d8→d7, captures rook).
3. Best move: f5 — pawn f4→f5. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d7→e7).
4. Best move: Kf4 — king e3→f4. Opponent replies Kf6 (king e7→f6).
5. Best move: Kxg4 — king f4→g4, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, quiet move, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxd7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3k4/R2P3p/8/3r4/p4Pp1/P3K3/7P/8 b - - 0 41

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