Chess Puzzle #1Lco9 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook f1; pawns a2/d4/e3/e7/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook a8; pawns c3/d5/e4/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf8+ — rook f1→f8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxf8 — rook a8→f8, captures rook. Opponent replies exf8=Q+ (pawn e7→f8, captures rook, promotes to queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxf8 — king g8→f8, captures queen. Opponent replies Kf2 (king g1→f2).
4. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxf8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/4P1p1/7p/3p4/3Pp3/2p1P3/P5PP/5RK1 w - - 0 28

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