Chess Puzzle #xXa3r — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; rook c4; pawns b3/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g7; rook b4; pawns a5/f6/g5/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc4+ — rook b4→c4, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc4 — pawn b3→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g7→f7).
3. Best move: Kb3 — king c2→b3. Opponent replies Ke6 (king f7→e6).
4. Best move: Ka4 — king b3→a4. Opponent replies Kd6 (king e6→d6).
5. Best move: Kb5 — king a4→b5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, very long. The key move bxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6kp/5p2/p5p1/1rR5/1P4PP/2K2P2/8 b - - 0 37

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