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White to Play

Pete Tamburro on Nov 29, 2024

If you have time over the holiday and would like to give some young person a chess lesson on using rooks, this is a very instructive position. Can the two rooks defeat two potential queens ready to be promoted?

1.Rh6+ Another way which allows both pawns to queen is 1.Ra3+ Kb5 2.Rab3+ Kc4 3.Rhc3+ Kd4 4.Rd3+ Kc4 5.Rbc3+ Kb4 6.Rc7 b1=Q 7.Rd8!! d1=Q 8.Rb8+ Ka3 9.Ra7+ Qa4 10.Rxa4+ Kxa4 11.Rxb1 1...Ka5 1...Kb7 2.Re3 d1Q 3.Re7+ Kc8 4.Rh8+ Qd8 5.Rxd8+ Kxd8 6.Rb7 2.Rd3 b1Q 3.Rd5+ Ka4 4.Ra6+ Kb4 5.Rb6+ Kc4 6.Rxb1 and wins.

Send questions and comments to PTamburro@aol.com.

More Chess Puzzles

White to Play

Chess Puzzles / November 27, 2024

Before you solve this mate in two, can you figure out why the pawn is on h6?

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Chess Puzzles / November 25, 2024

This reminds me of an old 19th century puzzle. White is threatened with mate in one, but saves the day.

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Chess Puzzles / November 22, 2024

Another thematic finish, but with a heck of a start.

White to Play

Chess Puzzles / November 20, 2024

I can’t recall having so much fun looking at all the variations and the cooperation of the white pieces. It’s a great lesson on the power of the rook lift (going up to b4)as well.