Chess Puzzle #4vIM9 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f6; rook c3; pawns c5/e4/g2/h4. Black: king c6; rook b5; pawns e6/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc5 — rook b5→c5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc5+ — rook c3→c5, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc5 (king c6→c5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxf7 — king f6→f7, captures pawn. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e6→e5).
4. Best move: Kxg6 — king f7→g6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/2k1pKp1/1rP4p/4P2P/2R5/6P1/8 b - - 5 45

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