Chess Puzzle #1LWtL — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook c4; bishop b7; pawns a6/b5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook d1; bishop b6; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb1 — rook d1→b1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Be4+ — bishop b7→e4, gives check. Opponent replies f5 (pawn f7→f5).
4. Best move: Bxb1 — bishop e4→b1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pB3pp1/Pb2p3/1P5p/2R5/7P/4KPP1/3r4 b - - 6 34

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