Chess Puzzle #3Q65t — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c5; rook c6; pawns b5/e5/f4/g3. Black: king d7; rook c7; pawns a7/e6/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6+ — rook c7→c6, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc6+ — pawn b5→c6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d7→e7).
3. Best move: Kb5 — king c5→b5. Opponent replies fxe5 (pawn f6→e5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Ka6 — king b5→a6. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
5. Best move: Kb7 — king a6→b7.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, very long. The key move bxc6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p1rk2p1/2R1pp1p/1PK1P3/5P2/6P1/8/8 b - - 0 47

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