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

Position

White: king c1; rooks e1/e4; knight f3; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/e8; bishop d6; pawns a6/b7/c7/f6/f7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f5 — pawn f6→f5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook e4→e8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook a8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook e1→e8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, kingside attack, short. The key move Rxe8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r3r1k1/1pp2p1p/p2b1p2/8/4R3/5N2/PPP2PPP/2K1R3 b - - 2 17

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