Chess Puzzle #4reew — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook c1; pawns a5/b6/c5/f2/g3/h2. Black: king d5; rook c8; pawns a6/b7/d4/e5/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook c8→c5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc5+ — rook c1→c5, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king d5→c5, captures rook).
3. Best move: f3 — pawn f2→f3. Opponent replies Kb4 (king c5→b4).
4. Best move: h4 — pawn h2→h4. Opponent replies Kc3 (king b4→c3).
5. Best move: Kd1 — king e2→d1.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, quiet move, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxc5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/1p6/pP4p1/P1Pkp3/3p4/6P1/4KP1P/2R5 b - - 1 40

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