Chess Puzzle #f3WiD — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a7; pawns a6/c5/d4/e5/f4. Black: king c8; rook h8; pawns c4/c6/e6/f5/h3. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rh4 — rook h8→h4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king c8→c7).
3. Best move: Rf8 — rook a8→f8. Opponent replies Rg4+ (rook h4→g4, gives check).
4. Best move: Kh1 — king g1→h1. Opponent replies Rxf4 (rook g4→f4, captures pawn).
5. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 2k4r/R7/P1p1p3/2P1Pp2/2pP1P2/7p/8/6K1 b - - 0 37

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