Chess Puzzle #05bZ1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen a1; rook b3; pawns f2/f4/h2. Black: king g8; queen f8; rook d7; pawns a5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc5 — queen f8→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b3→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Qf8 (queen c5→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook b8→f8, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move Rxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5qk1/3r1p1p/4p1p1/p7/5P2/1R6/4KP1P/Q7 b - - 1 38

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