Chess Puzzle #0NCS4 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; queen c1; rook a5; pawns a4/b3/d4/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen d7; rook b6; pawns c6/c7/d5/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb3 — rook b6→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a5→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qc2+ — queen c1→c2, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/2pq1pp1/1rp4p/R2p4/P2P4/1P4PP/5PK1/2Q5 b - - 0 31

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