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

Position

White: king c1; rooks c7/f1; knight c3; pawns a3/b2/c2/d4/e4/f2/h4. Black: king h8; rooks g2/g8; knight c4; pawns a4/b5/c6/d6/f3/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook g2→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf2 — rook f1→f2, captures rook. Opponent replies Rg1+ (rook g8→g1, gives check).
3. Best move: Nd1 — knight c3→d1.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, hanging piece, short. The key move Rxf2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6rk/2R5/2pp3p/1p6/p1nPP2P/P1N2p2/1PP2Pr1/2K2R2 b - - 8 31

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