Chess Puzzle #1MZ2B — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook c7; bishop f4; pawns e3/e5/f2/g4/h6. Black: king f8; rook b4; bishop e7; pawns c3/d5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g5 — pawn g6→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop e7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
4. Best move: Bxg5+ — bishop f4→g5, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxd8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/2R1bp1p/4p1pP/3pP3/1r3BP1/2p1P3/5PK1/8 b - - 1 28

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