Chess Puzzle #As9Nq — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king d3; rook c3; pawns a3/f2/g4/h3. Black: king d5; rook d4; pawns a5/f4/g5/h4. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc2 — king d3→c2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc4 — rook d4→c4. Opponent replies Kd3 (king c2→d3).
3. Best move: Rxc3+ — rook c4→c3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king d3→c3, captures rook).
4. Best move: Ke4 — king d5→e4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, exposed king, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/p2k2p1/3r1pPp/P1RK3P/5P2/8 w - - 8 54

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