Chess Puzzle #4C388 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d6; rook c6; pawn e5. Black: king f8; rook h7; pawn a5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra7 — rook h7→a7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c6→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king f8→f7).
3. Best move: e6+ — pawn e5→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king f7→f6).
4. Best move: Rf8+ — rook c8→f8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/7r/2RK4/p3P3/8/8/8/8 b - - 4 51

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