Chess Puzzle #4LMU9 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d2; rook a8; pawns a5/c2. Black: king e6; rook c4; pawns c5/d5/e4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d4 — pawn d5→d4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies e3+ (pawn e4→e3, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd1 — king d2→d1. Opponent replies e2+ (pawn e3→e2, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxe2 — king d1→e2, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is a6.

Position data

FEN: R7/8/4k3/P1pp4/2r1p3/8/2PK4/8 b - - 0 40

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