Chess Puzzle #tT7u0 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e5; rook d7; pawns a3/f7. Black: king c5; rook f2; pawns a6/b5/d4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd5+ — rook d7→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kc4 (king c5→c4).
3. Best move: Rxd4+ — rook d5→d4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb3 (king c4→b3).
4. Best move: Rf4 — rook d4→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxd4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/3R1P2/p7/1pk1K3/3p4/P7/5r2/8 b - - 2 43

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