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

Position

White: king e3; rook d1; bishops d2/f3; pawns b4/c3/d4/h4/h5. Black: king e7; rook a2; bishop h7; knight e4; pawns b5/b7/c4/d5/e6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2 — rook a2→d2, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd2 — rook d1→d2, captures rook. Opponent replies Nxd2 (knight e4→d2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxd2 — king e3→d2, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move Rxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p2k2b/4p3/1p1p3P/1PpPn2P/2P1KB2/r2B4/3R4 b - - 5 36

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