Chess Puzzle #0hxUC — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; rook h5; pawns a2/b2. Black: king b5; rook d6; pawns b4/c4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ka4 — king b5→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b3+ — pawn b2→b3, gives check. Opponent replies cxb3+ (pawn c4→b3, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: axb3+ — pawn a2→b3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ka3 (king a4→a3).
4. Best move: Ra5# — rook h5→a5, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Ra5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3r4/1k5R/1pp5/8/PPK5/8 b - - 3 53

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