Chess Puzzle #549EV — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d7; rook c2; pawn c7. Black: king g7; rook c8; pawns f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc7+ — rook c8→c7, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc7 — rook c2→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kf6 (king g7→f6).
3. Best move: Kd6 — king d7→d6. Opponent replies Kf5 (king f6→f5).
4. Best move: Kd5 — king d6→d5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, hanging piece, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxc7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/2PK1pk1/7p/6p1/8/8/2R5/8 b - - 4 60

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