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

Position

White: king h2; pawns a3/b5/c6/g2. Black: king g8; rook f4; pawns g5/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc4 — rook f4→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: b6 — pawn b5→b6. Opponent replies Rxc6 (rook c4→c6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, quiet move, rook endgame. The key move is a4.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/8/2P4p/1P4p1/5r2/P7/6PK/8 b - - 0 46

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