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

Position

White: king d4; pawns a2/b3/f2/g3. Black: king d6; pawns a4/e6/f5/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb3 — pawn a2→b3, captures pawn. Opponent replies e5+ (pawn e6→e5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc4 — king d4→c4. Opponent replies f4 (pawn f5→f4).
4. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4. Opponent replies fxg3 (pawn f4→g3, captures pawn).
5. Best move: fxg3 — pawn f2→g3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, pawn endgame, quiet move, very long. The key move axb3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/3kp3/5p2/p2K2p1/1P4P1/P4P2/8 b - - 0 49

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