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

Position

White: king e2; rook d4; pawns a4/b5/c4/h4. Black: king b7; rook h1; pawns a7/b6/c7/d2/d6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxh4 — rook h1→h4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh4 — rook d4→h4, captures rook. Opponent replies d1=Q+ (pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxd1 — king e2→d1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxh4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/pkp5/1p1p4/1P6/P1PR3P/8/3pK3/7r b - - 0 42

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