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

Position

White: king g4; rook a8; pawns a2/b3/h5. Black: king e6; rook f5; bishop f4; pawns a5/b4/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bg5 — bishop f4→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra6+ — rook a8→a6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke5 (king e6→e5).
3. Best move: Rxa5+ — rook a6→a5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke4 (king e5→e4).
4. Best move: Rxf5 — rook a5→f5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, interference, long. The key move Rxa5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: R7/8/4k2p/p4r1P/1p3bK1/1P6/P7/8 b - - 9 53

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