Chess Puzzle #thHI6 — Master, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d7; rook e3; pawn e5. Black: king a7; rook c1; pawns a4/b7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa3+ — rook e3→a3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king a7→b8).
3. Best move: e6 — pawn e5→e6. Opponent replies Rd1+ (rook c1→d1, gives check).
4. Best move: Ke7 — king d7→e7.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxa3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/kp1K4/8/4P3/p7/4R3/8/2r5 b - - 5 52

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