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

Rating 2327 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long.

Position

White: king g3; rook h1; pawns a4/c3/e5/f2/f4. Black: king e6; rook h8; pawns a7/b6/c6/g6/h3. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxh3 — rook h1→h3, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxh3+ — rook h8→h3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh3 (king g3→h3, captures rook).
  3. Best move: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a4→b5, captures pawn).
  4. Best move: cxb5 — pawn c6→b5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kg4 (king h3→g4).
  5. Best move: a5 — pawn a7→a5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxh3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7r/p7/1pp1k1p1/4P3/P4P2/2P3Kp/5P2/7R w - - 2 45

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