Chess Puzzle #j4swH — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2453 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king f4; rook b3; pawns b6/e5/g2/h4. Black: king c6; rook b8; pawns d6/e7/f7/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxb6 — rook b8→b6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Rxb6+ — rook b3→b6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c6→b6, captures rook).
  3. Best move: g4 — pawn g2→g4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/4pp2/1Pkp2p1/4P3/5K1P/1R6/6P1/8 b - - 0 44

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