Chess Puzzle #9Z7d8 — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d4; rook f5; knight e4; pawns b2/f6. Black: king c6; rook f7; knight d5; pawns a4/b5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxf6 — knight d5→f6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf6+ — rook f5→f6, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf6 (rook f7→f6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Nxf6 — knight e4→f6, captures rook. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b5→b4).
4. Best move: Nd5 — knight f6→d5. Opponent replies Kb5 (king c6→b5).
5. Best move: Ne3 — knight d5→e3. Opponent replies a3 (pawn a4→a3).
6. Best move: b3 — pawn b2→b3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move Rxf6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5r2/2k2P2/1p1n1R2/p2KN3/8/1P6/8 b - - 1 48

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