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

Position

White: king c4; rook d5; pawns a5/c2. Black: king e4; rook b2; pawns c3/d4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb4+ — rook b2→b4, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb4 — king c4→b4, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxd5 (king e4→d5, captures rook).
3. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d5→c6).
4. Best move: Kc4 — king b4→c4. Opponent replies Kb6 (king c6→b6).
5. Best move: Kxd4 — king c4→d4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxa6 (king b6→a6, captures pawn).
6. Best move: Kxc3 — king d4→c3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Kxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/8/P2R4/2Kpk3/2p5/1rP5/8 b - - 2 45

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