Chess Puzzle #L9558 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rook f3; pawns a2/b4/c3/f5/h3. Black: king g5; rook e5; pawns a7/c6/d5/f6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf5 — rook e5→f5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf5+ — rook f3→f5, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf5 (king g5→f5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3. Opponent replies Kg5 (king f5→g5).
4. Best move: Kf3 — king e3→f3.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxf5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/2p2p2/3prPk1/1P6/2PK1R1P/P7/8 b - - 0 35

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