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

Rating 2404 · Master · crushing, endgame, long.

Position

White: king e2; rook d3; pawns a3/b3/f5/h2. Black: king f7; rook d8; pawns b5/c5/f6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxd3 — rook d8→d3, captures rook. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxd3 — king e2→d3, captures rook. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f7→e7).
  3. Best move: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Opponent replies c4+ (pawn c5→c4, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kc3 — king d3→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Kxd3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/5k1p/5p2/1pp2P2/8/PP1R4/4K2P/8 b - - 1 36

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

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