Chess Puzzle #1aupP — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e1; bishops b3/c3; pawns a2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook c8; bishop f7; pawns a6/b7/f5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Opponent replies Rxb3 (rook c3→b3, captures bishop).
4. Best move: axb3 — pawn a2→b3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long, pin. The key move is Re8+.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/1p3b1p/p5p1/5p2/8/1BB4P/P4PP1/4R1K1 b - - 0 32

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