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

Position

White: king f4; rook a7; pawns a2/g7. Black: king g8; rook g5; pawns e6/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxg7 — rook g5→g7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxg7+ — rook a7→g7, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxg7 (king g8→g7, captures rook).
3. Best move: a4 — pawn a2→a4. Opponent replies Kf6 (king g7→f6).
4. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f6→e7).
5. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e7→d6).
6. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, quiet move, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxg7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R5P1/4p2p/6r1/5K2/8/P7/8 b - - 0 41

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