Chess Puzzle #491iP — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h3; rook e8; pawn f2. Black: king f5; rook g4; pawns e4/f6/g5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kf4 — king f5→f4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe4+ — rook e8→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king f4→e4, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxg4 — king h3→g4, captures rook. Opponent replies Ke5 (king e4→e5).
4. Best move: f3 — pawn f2→f3.

Tactical themes

defensive move, deflection, endgame, equality, long, rook endgame, zugzwang. The key move Rxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4R3/8/5p2/5kp1/4p1r1/7K/5P2/8 b - - 7 77

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