Chess Puzzle #XJKaZ — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; rook a3; pawns a2/e5/f4/g5/h4. Black: king d5; rook e4; pawns a6/b5/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra4 — rook e4→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa4 — rook a3→a4, captures rook. Opponent replies bxa4 (pawn b5→a4, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3. Opponent replies a3 (pawn a4→a3).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king e3→d3. Opponent replies a5 (pawn a6→a5).
5. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/p5p1/1p1kP1Pp/4rP1P/R4K2/P7/8 b - - 3 44

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