Chess Puzzle #IQg17 — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king b7; rook f7; pawns c6/f2/h2. Black: king g5; rook a2; pawns a3/g6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c7 — pawn c6→c7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb2+ — rook a2→b2, gives check. Opponent replies Kc6 (king b7→c6).
3. Best move: Rc2+ — rook b2→c2, gives check. Opponent replies Kd5 (king c6→d5).
4. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Opponent replies c8=Q (pawn c7→c8, promotes to queen).
5. Best move: Rxc8 — rook c2→c8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Rb2+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1K3R2/2P3p1/6kp/8/p7/r4P1P/8 w - - 0 40

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