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

Position

White: king g1; queen a2; rooks c1/c4; pawns a3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen d3; rooks b8/f6; pawns a7/c3/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb2 — rook b8→b2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Qg8+ — queen a2→g8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 1r5k/p5p1/5r1p/8/2R5/P1pq4/Q4PPP/2R3K1 b - - 1 25

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