Chess Puzzle #e1TcI — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b2; rook h6; pawn a6. Black: king b4; rook a5; pawn b5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ka4 — king b4→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh1 — rook h6→h1. Opponent replies Rxa6 (rook a5→a6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Ra1+ — rook h1→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Kb4 (king a4→b4).
4. Best move: Rxa6 — rook a1→a6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, quiet move, rook endgame, skewer. The key move is Rh1.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/P6R/rp6/1k6/8/1K6/8 b - - 8 59

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