Chess Puzzle #SYN0u — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d5; rook h7; pawn d4. Black: king c3; rook a3; pawns a6/h3. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh3+ — rook h7→h3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb4 (king c3→b4).
3. Best move: Rxa3 — rook h3→a3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxa3 (king b4→a3, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kc4 — king d5→c4. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
5. Best move: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Opponent replies Kb2 (king a3→b2).
6. Best move: d6 — pawn d5→d6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, quiet move, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxh3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/7R/p7/3K4/3P4/r1k4p/8/8 b - - 2 48

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