Chess Puzzle #1ZMU7 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c2; knight d7; pawns b2/b6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rook e8; bishop f4; pawns a6/b7/f7/g5/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re6 — rook e8→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Nf8+ — knight d7→f8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/1p1N1pp1/pP6/6p1/5b2/8/1PR2PPP/5K2 b - - 2 31

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