Chess Puzzle #1Xaj4 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h5; rook a5; pawns a3/b4/f4/g4/h2. Black: king f6; rook g7; bishop c4; pawns a6/c6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be2 — bishop c4→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf5+ — rook a5→f5, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king f6→e6).
3. Best move: Re5+ — rook f5→e5, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king e6→f7).
4. Best move: Rxe2 — rook e5→e2, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, exposed king, fork, long. The key move is Rf5+.

Position data

FEN: 8/6rp/p1p2k2/R6K/1Pb2PP1/P7/7P/8 b - - 0 41

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