Chess Puzzle #3F5MW — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook g3; pawn c6. Black: king d4; rook c3; pawns b4/d5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook g3→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king d4→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: c7 — pawn c6→c7. Opponent replies Kd2 (king c3→d2).
4. Best move: c8=Q — pawn c7→c8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/2P5/3p4/1p1k4/2r3R1/6K1/8 b - - 1 59

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