Chess Puzzle #0n09V — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h1; queen f5; rook a1; pawns c6/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f8; queen e7; rooks a6/a8. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg8 — king f8→g8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa6 — rook a1→a6, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxa6 (rook a8→a6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qc8+ — queen f5→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
4. Best move: Qxa6 — queen c8→a6, captures rook. Opponent replies Qe1+ (queen e7→e1, gives check).
5. Best move: Kh2 — king h1→h2.

Tactical themes

advantage, attraction, endgame, exposed king, fork, very long. The key move Rxa6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r4k2/4q3/r1P5/5Q2/8/5P1P/6P1/R6K b - - 8 49

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