Chess Puzzle #13pbj — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; rook a7; pawns a3/b4. Black: king g8; queen c1; rook d1; pawns b6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 11 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook d1→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Qc8 (queen c1→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook a8→c8, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, queen rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R4ppp/1p6/8/1P6/PK6/8/2qr4 b - - 4 39

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