Chess Puzzle #SpCG2 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b4; rook e7; pawns b3/f3/f6/h4. Black: king d6; rook c8; pawns b5/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc7 — rook c8→c7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc7 — rook e7→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxc7 (king d6→c7, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kc5 — king b4→c5. Opponent replies g5 (pawn g6→g5).
4. Best move: hxg5 — pawn h4→g5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxc7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/4Rp2/3k1Pp1/1p5p/1K5P/1P3P2/8/8 b - - 2 39

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