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

Rating 1972 · Advanced · crushing, defensive move, endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king b4; rook c4; pawn b3. Black: king a7; rook c2. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc4+ — rook c2→c4, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxc4 — king b4→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies Kb6 (king a7→b6).
  3. Best move: Kb4 — king c4→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move Kxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/k7/8/8/1KR5/1P6/2r5/8 b - - 20 63

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