Chess Puzzle #1MrBo — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king d2; rook c3; pawns a4/b4/c5/d4. Black: king d5; rook h2; pawns a6/b7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd3 — king d2→d3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rh3+ — rook h2→h3, gives check. Opponent replies Kc2 (king d3→c2).
3. Best move: Rxc3+ — rook h3→c3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king c2→c3, captures rook).
4. Best move: h5 — pawn h6→h5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p6/p6p/2Pk4/PP1P4/2R5/3K3r/8 w - - 5 38

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