Chess Puzzle #MJJEr — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c7; rook f4; pawns a3/b2/g2/h3. Black: king a6; rook b3; pawns a4/b6/h4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook b3→b2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa4+ — rook f4→a4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb5 (king a6→b5).
3. Best move: Rb4+ — rook a4→b4, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb4 (rook b2→b4, captures rook).
4. Best move: axb4 — pawn a3→b4, captures rook.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/2K5/kp6/8/p4R1p/Pr5P/1P4P1/8 b - - 5 55

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