Chess Puzzle #1CAio — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook a3; knight e1; pawns a2/b5/e2/f3/g3. Black: king f8; rook d1; knight e4; pawns b6/c3/e5/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe1+ — rook d1→e1, captures knight, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxe1 — king f1→e1, captures rook. Opponent replies c2 (pawn c3→c2).
3. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a3→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
4. Best move: Rc8 — rook a8→c8.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, exposed king, hanging piece, long. The key move Kxe1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/8/1p4p1/1P2p2p/4n3/R1p2PP1/P3P3/3rNK2 b - - 2 40

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