Chess Puzzle #MEaEs — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; rook c2; knight e5; pawns a2/h5. Black: king d4; rook e6; pawns a5/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe5 — rook e6→e5, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd2+ — rook c2→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Kc3 (king d4→c3).
3. Best move: Kxe5 — king f4→e5, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxd2 (king c3→d2, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kd4 — king e5→d4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, deflection, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rd2+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4r2p/p3N2P/3k1K2/8/P1R5/8 b - - 0 49

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