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

Position

White: king g1; queen d3; rooks a1/c1; bishop e3; knight d2; pawns a4/c3/d4/e5/g3/g5/h2. Black: king g8; queen d7; rooks c6/c8; bishop g4; knight e6; pawns a5/b6/d5/f5/f7/g7/h3. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c6→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxc3 (rook c8→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc3 — queen d3→c3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/3q1pp1/1pr1n3/p2pPpP1/P2P2b1/2PQB1Pp/3N3P/R1R3K1 b - - 4 24

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