Chess Puzzle #1zC53 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d7; rook c6; pawns e5/h2. Black: king g7; rook c5; pawns a7/b6/c7/g5/h5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c5→c6, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc6 — king d7→c6, captures rook. Opponent replies h4 (pawn h5→h4).
3. Best move: e6 — pawn e5→e6. Opponent replies Kf6 (king g7→f6).
4. Best move: Kd7 — king c6→d7.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Kxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1pK2k1/1pR5/2r1P1pp/8/8/7P/8 b - - 5 34

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