Chess Puzzle #xMmaD — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook e2; pawns a5/b4/c4/d3/d5/e4. Black: king e7; rook f3; pawns a6/b7/c7/d6/e3/e5/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf2+ — rook f3→f2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf2 — rook e2→f2, captures rook. Opponent replies exf2 (pawn e3→f2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxf2 — king g2→f2, captures pawn. Opponent replies b6 (pawn b7→b6).
4. Best move: b5 — pawn b4→b5. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures pawn).
5. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, very long. The key move Rxf2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pp1k3/p2p4/P2Pp2p/1PP1P3/3Ppr2/4R1K1/8 b - - 3 36

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