Chess Puzzle #95tje — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king h1; rook a7; pawns a4/b5/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f4; rook b4; pawns e6/f5/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra6 — rook a7→a6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kg3 — king f4→g3. Opponent replies Rxe6 (rook a6→e6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b4→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Re1 (rook e6→e1).
4. Best move: Rxe1# — rook b1→e1, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxe1# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/R6p/4p3/1P3p2/Pr3k2/5P1P/6P1/7K w - - 1 36

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