Chess Puzzle #HX1RM — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; rook c8; pawns e3/h5. Black: king d5; rook b6; pawns c4/e4/g4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc6 — rook b6→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc6 — rook c8→c6, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king d5→c6, captures rook).
3. Best move: h6 — pawn h5→h6. Opponent replies Kb5 (king c6→b5).
4. Best move: h7 — pawn h6→h7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, master, rook endgame. The key move Rxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/8/1r6/3k3P/2p1p1p1/4P1K1/8/8 b - - 1 51

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