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

Position

White: king e7; rook a8; pawns a3/f5/h5. Black: king e5; rook g4; pawns a4/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxf5 — king e5→f5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra5+ — rook a8→a5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke4 (king f5→e4).
3. Best move: Rxa4+ — rook a5→a4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, interference, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxa4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: R7/4K1p1/7p/4kP1P/p5r1/P7/8/8 b - - 0 60

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