Chess Puzzle #19PJv — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; rooks b7/h7; bishop d3; pawns c2/e4/f3. Black: king c5; rooks a1/b6; bishop e6; pawns a4/e5/f4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb6 — rook b7→b6, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c5→b6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rh6 — rook h7→h6. Opponent replies Kc5 (king b6→c5).
4. Best move: Rxe6 — rook h6→e6, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pin. The key move Rxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/1R5R/1r2b3/2k1p3/p3Pp2/3B1P2/2PK4/r7 b - - 0 44

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