Chess Puzzle #Ia5tK — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king a1; queen e7; pawns a2/b2/f5/g6/h3. Black: king b6; rook d4; bishops e3/h1; pawn a6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa4+ — rook d4→a4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king a1→b1).
3. Best move: Be4+ — bishop h1→e4, gives check. Opponent replies Qxe4 (queen e7→e4, captures bishop).
4. Best move: Rxe4 — rook a4→e4, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxa4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/4Q3/pk4P1/5P2/3r4/4b2P/PP6/K6b w - - 0 39

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