Chess Puzzle #0pMZp — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b8; rook c8; knight b7; pawns a7/e5/g5. Black: king d7; rook a4; pawns d5/e6/f7/g6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a8=Q — pawn a7→a8, promotes to queen. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa8+ — rook a4→a8, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxa8 (king b8→a8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxc8 — king d7→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Rxa8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1KR5/PN1k1p2/4p1p1/3pP1Pp/r7/8/8/8 w - - 11 61

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