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White to move and win

[need a hint?]     [Solution]     [archive]

1.Rd5+

If Black takes the rook (1...Nxd5) then e2 becomes available to the white bishop, so the apparent rook sacrifice is a way to deflect the overworked knight away from protection of the e2-square:

1...Nxd5 2.Be2+ d3 3.Bxd3+ Ka5 4.Ra7+ Ra6 5.Rxa6 mate.  Instead, Black opts to delay the inevitable for one more move...

1...Ka6 2.Bc8+ Rb7 (forced) 3.Rd6+

No need to rush to take the black rook, mate is in the offing!  Remember this pearl of chessic wisdom: when you find a good move, don't be in a rush to play it; "sit on your hands" and look for an even better move!

Another decision point for Black - how does he wish to get mated? 

3...Ka5 4.Rc5+ Rb5 5.Ra6 mate; or
3...Ka7 4.Rxb7+ Ka8 5.Ra6 mate; or...

3...Kb5 4.Bd7+ Ka5 5.Rc5+

Bit by bit, the white rooks restrict the black king's available flight squares.  Note too how the white king serves as a brick wall - keeping the black king away from the 4th rank and below.

5...Rb5 6.Rxb5#

 

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