Chess Puzzle #jDsOq — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 2209 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short.

Position

White: king e2; rook d4; pawns a2/b3/f3/g2/h5. Black: king e6; rook c2; pawns a6/b5/f4/g5/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook d4→d2. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxd2+ — rook c2→d2, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd2 (king e2→d2, captures rook).
  3. Best move: b4 — pawn b5→b4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxd2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/p3k2p/1p4pP/3R1p2/1P3P2/P1r1K1P1/8 w - - 11 43

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