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

Rating 2209 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, short, zugzwang.

Position

White: king e5; rook d4; pawns b4/g4/h5. Black: king f7; rook d3; pawns b5/b6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd4 — rook d3→d4, captures rook. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxd4 — king e5→d4, captures rook. Opponent replies Ke8 (king f7→e8).
  3. Best move: Ke4 — king d4→e4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, short, zugzwang. The key move Kxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5k2/1p5p/1p2K1pP/1P1R2P1/3r4/8/8 b - - 17 79

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