Chess Puzzle #14epa — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d2/d6; knight e2; pawns b4/c3/c4/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f6; rooks d8/e6; bishop a4; pawns a6/b6/d7/f7/g6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nf4 — knight e2→f4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd6 — rook e6→d6, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxd6+ (rook d2→d6, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke5 — king f6→e5. Opponent replies Rxb6 (rook d6→b6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kxf4 — king e5→f4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, long. The key move Rxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/3p1p2/pp1Rrkp1/7p/bPP1P3/2P2P1P/3RN1P1/6K1 w - - 4 34

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