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

Position

White: king b7; rook g1; pawn a7. Black: king g5; rook e8; pawns f6/g4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa8 — rook e8→a8, captures queen. Opponent replies Kxa8 (king b7→a8, captures rook).
3. Best move: f5 — pawn f6→f5. Opponent replies Kb7 (king a8→b7).
4. Best move: f4 — pawn f5→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move Rxa8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/PK6/5p2/6k1/6p1/8/8/6R1 w - - 2 64

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