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

Position

White: king c3; rook d3; pawns b3/g4/h3. Black: king h4; rook h2; pawns g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxh3 — rook h2→h3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh3+ — rook d3→h3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh3 (king h4→h3, captures rook).
3. Best move: g5 — pawn g4→g5. Opponent replies Kg4 (king h3→g4).
4. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, quiet move, rook endgame. The key move Rxh3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/6p1/8/6Pk/1PKR3P/7r/8 b - - 0 49

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