Chess Puzzle #cTJH9 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2065 · Expert · defensive move, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3.

Position

White: king e2; rook a5; pawns f3/g2/g4. Black: king f4; bishop b3; knight e6; pawns c4/d4/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: d3+ — pawn d4→d3, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kf2 — king e2→f2. Opponent replies Nc5 (knight e6→c5).
  3. Best move: Rxc5 — rook a5→c5, captures knight. Opponent replies d2 (pawn d3→d2).
  4. Best move: g3# — pawn g2→g3, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with g3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/4n2p/R7/2pp1kP1/1b3P2/4K1P1/8 b - - 7 54

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