Chess Puzzle #1aWd3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a5; bishop a3; knight d6; pawns c5/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook c7; bishops d5/e7; pawns a7/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd6 — bishop e7→d6, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: cxd6 — pawn c5→d6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rd7 (rook c7→d7).
3. Best move: Rxd5 — rook a5→d5, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

crushing, discovered attack, endgame, short. The key move cxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1r1bp2/3N2p1/R1Pb3p/8/B4P2/6PP/6K1 b - - 6 34

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