Chess Puzzle #0Jp9N — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a2; queen c7; rook d4; pawns a3/b2/c3/f3/g2/h3. Black: king a8; queen f1; rook e8; pawns a7/b7/e2/f7/g6/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook e8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8 — rook d4→d8. Opponent replies Qa1+ (queen f1→a1, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxa1 — king a2→a1, captures queen. Opponent replies e1=Q+ (pawn e2→e1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Ka2 — king a1→a2.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move is Rd8.

Position data

FEN: k3r3/ppQ2pp1/6p1/8/3R4/P1P2P1P/KP2p1P1/5q2 b - - 1 33

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