It happens 🤣. It’s still a very nice concept to keep in mind. Say white had started with Ra2 instead of a6, Black would instinctively play Rh8 immediately to block with the rook. However, a6 is tricky because Black might be greedy and fall for it.
Yeah I was thinking that black had to try to double attack b8 to prevent the bridge, but putting the king on c8 loses no matter what because it's check, and there's no way to make, for example, ... c6, ... Kc7 work.
Rb2 followed by a7 and Rb8 would work if the black king were on the back rank, so that Rb8 would either pin the black rook or check the king. In that case Rxb8 would be forced, and you could play axb8=Q.
As it is, the black rook can just take the pawn instead. It's a common pattern that often works, but the requirement isn't met here.
I see the tactic, but I agree it's hard to believe this is winning. I don't see how white can make progress. Looks like the engine just reaches its horizon
I analyzed the image and this is what I see. Open an appropriate link below and explore the position yourself or with the engine:
My solution:
Save the position:
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An he sacrificed the roooooooookkkk......!!!!!!!!
Re8 makes it so black can't stop white from queening
Often the solution to puzzles posted on reddit is to pick what looks like the most unhinged move on the board.
This one was no exception.
It happens 🤣. It’s still a very nice concept to keep in mind. Say white had started with Ra2 instead of a6, Black would instinctively play Rh8 immediately to block with the rook. However, a6 is tricky because Black might be greedy and fall for it.
😄
I saw Re8 and assumed it was the intended solution, but I don't understand the refutation for Rb2.
Rh8 and you give black the chance to get to a8 on time.
Oh my god, I saw Rh8 obviously, but I don't know why I was blind to Ra8 as the extremely obvious follow up. That is atrocious on my part, damn.
Many times moves like Rb8 come with a check, so it’s easy to overlook that Black can just respond with Rxa7 since they’re not in check.
Yeah I was thinking that black had to try to double attack b8 to prevent the bridge, but putting the king on c8 loses no matter what because it's check, and there's no way to make, for example, ... c6, ... Kc7 work.
Rb2 followed by a7 and Rb8 would work if the black king were on the back rank, so that Rb8 would either pin the black rook or check the king. In that case Rxb8 would be forced, and you could play axb8=Q.
As it is, the black rook can just take the pawn instead. It's a common pattern that often works, but the requirement isn't met here.
Yeah I literally looked at Rb2 Rh8, a7 and thought, "I'll just make the bridge on b8!" I... am embarrassed that I spaced Ra8. Ouch.
Yeah, but Rh8 wouldn't work if B king were on 8, so it's a double no.
Rb2 Rh8 a7 Ra8
Wouldn’t have found it if it weren’t asked as a puzzle
Re8 gawdamn
Re8 locks the other rook out of the a file and controls the promotion square for the pawn at the same time.
This is the kind of thing you see in 0.1 seconds as a puzzle but never see in a game.
Look for the problem first and then find the solution
block the rook
If I push, he goes rh8 and stops my pawn. Mmm, what can I use to stop his rook?
Rook sack
Korchnoi - esque !
Nope, didn't see it. That's clever.
R-e8
There isn’t a winning move for white
I see the tactic, but I agree it's hard to believe this is winning. I don't see how white can make progress. Looks like the engine just reaches its horizon
How so? How do you stop W from queening after Re8?
You’re ignoring your only chance to promote the pawn. It will cost a rook, but you’ll have a winning game.