Chess Puzzle #qQ4Td — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook b6; pawns a5/b4/h2. Black: king f6; rook e5; pawns a6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re6 — rook e5→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b5 — pawn b4→b5. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxe6+ — rook b6→e6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe6 (king f6→e6, captures rook).
4. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Kd5 (king e6→d5).
5. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, exposed king, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxe6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5pp1/pR3k1p/P3r3/1P6/8/6KP/8 b - - 2 45

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