Chess Puzzle #ft8p9 — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c4; rook a6; pawns d4/e3/f2/g3/h4. Black: king c6; rook b8; pawns e4/e6/f5/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb6 — rook b8→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb6+ — rook a6→b6, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c6→b6, captures rook).
3. Best move: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Opponent replies Kc7 (king b6→c7).
4. Best move: dxe6 — pawn d5→e6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kc6 (king c7→c6).
5. Best move: Kb4 — king c4→b4.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/8/R1k1p1p1/5p1p/2KPp2P/4P1P1/5P2/8 b - - 1 44

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