Chess Puzzle #Lq86e — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d5; rook a1; pawns c6/g4/h2. Black: king c7; rook c2; pawns g5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c2→c6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra7+ — rook a1→a7, gives check. Opponent replies Kb6 (king c7→b6).
3. Best move: Ra6+ — rook a7→a6, gives check. Opponent replies Kxa6 (king b6→a6, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kxc6 — king d5→c6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, exposed king, long, master, rook endgame. The key move is Ra7+.

Position data

FEN: 8/2k3p1/2P4p/3K2p1/6P1/8/2r4P/R7 b - - 2 43

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