Chess Puzzle #F5r36 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f6; rook c3; pawn f5. Black: king e8; rook e2; pawn a7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook e2→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kd7 (king e8→d7).
3. Best move: Ra8 — rook c8→a8. Opponent replies Rf2 (rook d2→f2).
4. Best move: Rxa7+ — rook a8→a7, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxa7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/p7/5K2/5P2/8/2R5/4r3/8 b - - 3 50

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