Chess Puzzle #17gx3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook d2; pawns c5/e3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king e6; rook c2; pawns b3/f5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2+ — rook c2→d2, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxd2 — king e2→d2, captures rook. Opponent replies b2 (pawn b3→b2).
3. Best move: Kc2 — king d2→c2. Opponent replies b1=R (pawn b2→b1, promotes to rook).
4. Best move: Kxb1 — king c2→b1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Kxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/7p/4k1p1/2P2p2/8/1p2P1P1/2rRKP1P/8 b - - 0 38

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