Chess Puzzle #5CAp9 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook a1; pawn g4. Black: king d4; rook f6; pawns e2/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf1 — rook f6→f1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf1 — rook a1→f1, captures rook. Opponent replies exf1=Q+ (pawn e2→f1, captures rook, promotes to queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxf1 — king g2→f1, captures queen. Opponent replies Ke3 (king d4→e3).
4. Best move: Kg2 — king f1→g2.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxf1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/5r2/8/3k2P1/8/4p1K1/R7 b - - 3 50

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