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

Position

White: king e1; rook a5; pawns a4/b5. Black: king g6; rook a3; pawns f6/g7/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h4 — pawn h5→h4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b6 — pawn b5→b6. Opponent replies h3 (pawn h4→h3).
3. Best move: Kf2 — king e1→f2. Opponent replies Ra2+ (rook a3→a2, gives check).
4. Best move: Kg1 — king f2→g1. Opponent replies Rg2+ (rook a2→g2, gives check).
5. Best move: Kh1 — king g1→h1. Opponent replies Rb2 (rook g2→b2).
6. Best move: Rb5 — rook a5→b5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move is b6.

Position data

FEN: 8/6p1/5pk1/RP5p/P7/r7/8/4K3 b - - 0 44

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