Chess Puzzle #40Xdn — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king b3; queen g8; rook b8; bishop f5; pawns c2/e4. Black: king a5; rook g2; knight c5; pawns a2/e5. White is ahead by 9 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc4 — king b3→c4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxg8 — rook g2→g8, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxg8 (rook b8→g8, captures rook).
3. Best move: a1=Q — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen. Opponent replies Ra8+ (rook g8→a8, gives check).
4. Best move: Na6 — knight c5→a6.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, long, master, promotion. The key move Rxg8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1R4Q1/8/8/k1n1pB2/4P3/1K6/p1P3r1/8 w - - 4 43

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