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

Position

White: king e3; rook e4; pawns a2/c3/g4/h3. Black: king f6; rook d6; pawns a5/b6/g5/h4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re6 — rook d6→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe6+ — rook e4→e6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe6 (king f6→e6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kd4 — king e3→d4. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e6→d6).
4. Best move: Ke4 — king d4→e4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame, zugzwang. The key move Rxe6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p1r1k2/p5p1/4R1Pp/2P1K2P/P7/8 b - - 0 49

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