Chess Puzzle #yzDc3 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d5; pawns a5/b6/g2/g3/h2. Black: king g6; rook b8; pawns a6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf6 — king g6→f6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kd6 — king d5→d6. Opponent replies Rd8+ (rook b8→d8, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc7 — king d6→c7. Opponent replies Rd5 (rook d8→d5).
4. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Rxa5 (rook d5→a5, captures pawn).
5. Best move: b8=Q — pawn b7→b8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, defensive move, endgame, promotion, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Kd6.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/6p1/pP4kp/P2K4/8/6P1/6PP/8 b - - 2 41

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