Chess Puzzle #4oICM — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f1; rook a4; pawn h5. Black: king e5; rook g4; pawns a3/d5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd6 — king e5→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxg4 — rook a4→g4, captures rook. Opponent replies a2 (pawn a3→a2).
3. Best move: Ra4 — rook g4→a4. Opponent replies a1=Q+ (pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxa1 — rook a4→a1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long, master, rook endgame. The key move Rxg4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/5p1p/3pk2P/R5r1/p7/8/5K2 b - - 17 52

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