Chess Puzzle #3QUO8 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e2; rook e4; pawns a2/b2/c3/e7. Black: king e8; rook f3; pawns a7/b6/f4/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re3+ — rook f3→e3, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe3 — rook e4→e3, captures rook. Opponent replies fxe3 (pawn f4→e3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxe3 — king e2→e3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxe7 (king e8→e7, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kf4 — king e3→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/p3P3/1p6/8/4Rpp1/2P2r2/PP2K3/8 b - - 1 37

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