Chess Puzzle #X1Y8C — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g2; rook a8; pawn a6. Black: king g6; rook b3; pawns f5/g3/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f4 — pawn f5→f4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a7 — pawn a6→a7. Opponent replies Rb2+ (rook b3→b2, gives check).
3. Best move: Kf3 — king g2→f3. Opponent replies Kg5 (king g6→g5).
4. Best move: Rg8+ — rook a8→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g5→f5).
5. Best move: Rf8+ — rook g8→f8, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, exposed king, rook endgame, very long. The key move is a7.

Position data

FEN: R7/7p/P5k1/5p2/8/1r4p1/6K1/8 b - - 1 40

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