Chess Puzzle #4aluC — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; rook b4; pawns c3/g2/h4. Black: king a5; rook c7; pawns a3/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb3 — king c2→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3+ — rook c7→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king b3→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Opponent replies Rb2 (rook b4→b2).
4. Best move: a1=Q — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, promotion, rook endgame, sacrifice. The key move Rxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/2r3p1/7p/k7/1R5P/p1P5/2K3P1/8 w - - 2 44

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