Chess Puzzle #1Mimx — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; rook c3; pawns e4/g4/h4. Black: king e7; rook h8; pawns e5/f6/f7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf8 — king e7→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king f8→g7).
3. Best move: Rxh8 — rook c8→h8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 7r/4kp2/5p2/4p3/4P1PP/2R3K1/8/8 b - - 0 53

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