Chess Puzzle #hYMa8 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b5; rook e3; pawn d6. Black: king d8; rook a7; pawn a4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh3 — rook e3→h3. Opponent replies a2 (pawn a3→a2).
3. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h3→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kd7 (king d8→d7).
4. Best move: Rh7+ — rook h8→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd6 (king d7→d6, captures pawn).
5. Best move: Rxa7 — rook h7→a7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, rook endgame, skewer, very long. The key move is Rh3.

Position data

FEN: 3k4/r7/3P4/1K6/p7/4R3/8/8 b - - 0 60

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