Chess Puzzle #Sdtca — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; queen d4; knight d6; pawns e7/g5. Black: king c6; rooks a8/b8; pawn a2. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e8=Q+ — pawn e7→e8, promotes to queen, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxe8 — rook b8→e8, captures queen. Opponent replies Nxe8 (knight d6→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ra3+ — rook a8→a3, gives check. Opponent replies Kf4 (king g3→f4).
4. Best move: a1=Q — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, endgame, equality, exposed king, long, promotion. The key move Rxe8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: rr6/4P3/2kN4/6P1/3Q4/6K1/p7/8 w - - 22 76

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