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

Position

White: king h1; rook c4; pawns a4/b5/g2/h3. Black: king f7; rook e5; pawns b6/f5/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re4 — rook e5→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe4 — rook c4→e4, captures rook. Opponent replies fxe4 (pawn f5→e4, captures rook).
3. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies e3 (pawn e4→e3).
4. Best move: Kg1 — king h1→g1.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxe4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5k1p/1p4p1/1P2rp2/P1R5/7P/6P1/7K b - - 1 42

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