Chess Puzzle #1XMnB — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook h5; pawns c7/h4. Black: king e8; rook c5; pawn b6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc7 — rook c5→c7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h5→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king e8→e7).
3. Best move: Rh7+ — rook h8→h7, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
4. Best move: Rxc7 — rook h7→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxc7 (king d6→c7, captures rook).
5. Best move: h5 — pawn h4→h5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, exposed king, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Rh8+.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/2P5/1p6/2r4R/7P/8/6K1/8 b - - 0 51

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