Chess Puzzle #MxHly — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b6; rook f8; pawns a7/g2. Black: king g3; rook a2; pawns f6/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb2+ — rook a2→b2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kc5 — king b6→c5. Opponent replies Ra2 (rook b2→a2).
3. Best move: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen. Opponent replies Rxa8 (rook a2→a8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxa8 — rook f8→a8, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxg2 (king g3→g2, captures pawn).
5. Best move: Kd4 — king c5→d4. Opponent replies Kf3 (king g2→f3).
6. Best move: Ra3+ — rook a8→a3, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, promotion, rook endgame, very long. The key move is Kc5.

Position data

FEN: 5R2/P7/1K3p2/8/6p1/6k1/r5P1/8 b - - 5 60

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