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

Position

White: king b4; rook b5; pawn a3. Black: king c2; rook a6; pawn a4. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra5 — rook b5→a5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa5 — rook a6→a5, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxa5 (king b4→a5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kb3 — king c2→b3. Opponent replies Kb5 (king a5→b5).
4. Best move: Kxa3 — king b3→a3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/r7/1R6/pK6/P7/2k5/8 w - - 15 71

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