Chess Puzzle #19Y19 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; rook d2; pawns a4/c6. Black: king e4; rook g2; pawns a7/f3. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2+ — rook g2→d2, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxd2 — king c2→d2, captures rook. Opponent replies f2 (pawn f3→f2).
3. Best move: Ke2 — king d2→e2. Opponent replies f1=Q+ (pawn f2→f1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxf1 — king e2→f1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Kxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/2P5/8/P3k3/5p2/2KR2r1/8 b - - 0 57

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