Chess Puzzle #02ccm — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; rook a3; pawns e4/f3/g4/h3. Black: king e6; rook a6; pawns e5/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3+ — rook a6→a3, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxa3 — king b3→a3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kd7 (king e6→d7).
3. Best move: Kb4 — king a3→b4. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d7→c6).
4. Best move: Kc4 — king b4→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, zugzwang. The key move Kxa3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/r3k2p/4p1p1/4P1P1/RK3P1P/8/8 b - - 0 47

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