Chess Puzzle #38aZA — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g1; rook a4; pawns f4/g2/h2. Black: king b2; pawns a2/b7/c7/h6. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a1=Q+ — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa1 — rook a4→a1, captures queen. Opponent replies Kxa1 (king b2→a1, captures rook).
3. Best move: f5 — pawn f4→f5. Opponent replies b5 (pawn b7→b5).
4. Best move: f6 — pawn f5→f6. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b5→b4).
5. Best move: f7 — pawn f6→f7. Opponent replies b3 (pawn b4→b3).
6. Best move: f8=Q — pawn f7→f8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, promotion, quiet move, very long. The key move Rxa1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pp5/7p/8/R4P2/8/pk4PP/6K1 b - - 0 42

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