Chess Puzzle #a3fWz — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; rook c7; pawns c6/d7/f3/f5. Black: king b5; rook d8; pawns a4/d3/e5/f6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8 — rook c7→c8. Opponent replies d2 (pawn d3→d2).
3. Best move: Rxd8 — rook c8→d8, captures rook. Opponent replies d1=Q (pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen).
4. Best move: Rb8+ — rook d8→b8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rc8.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/2RP4/2P2p2/1k2pP2/p7/3p1P2/5K2/8 b - - 1 38

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