Chess Puzzle #asZX9 — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king c6; queen c4; pawns a2/b4. Black: king d2; rook c3; pawns a7/b6. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb5 — king c6→b5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: a6+ — pawn a7→a6, gives check. Opponent replies Kxa6 (king b5→a6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxc4 — rook c3→c4, captures queen. Opponent replies b5 (pawn b4→b5).
4. Best move: Kc3 — king d2→c3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen rook endgame. The key move is a6+.

Position data

FEN: 8/p7/1pK5/8/1PQ5/2r5/P2k4/8 w - - 1 57

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