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

Position

White: king a2; rook c8; bishop b5; pawns a4/b2/c3/d4. Black: king d6; queen h7; bishop e7; pawns a5/b6/d5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bg5 — bishop e7→g5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc6+ — rook c8→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d6→e7).
3. Best move: Rc7+ — rook c6→c7, gives check. Opponent replies Kd8 (king e7→d8).
4. Best move: Rxh7 — rook c7→h7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, skewer. The key move is Rc6+.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/4b2q/1p1k4/pB1p4/P2P4/2P5/KP6/8 b - - 1 51

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