Chess Puzzle #9CTrq — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook a7; pawn h7. Black: king d5; rook b1; pawns a2/b5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a1=B — pawn a2→a1, promotes to bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa1 — rook a7→a1, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxa1 (rook b1→a1, captures rook).
3. Best move: h8=Q — pawn h7→h8, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, endgame, equality, promotion, short. The key move Rxa1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/R6P/8/1p1k4/8/8/p5K1/1r6 b - - 10 64

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