Chess Puzzle #1e9tO — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/d3; knight d6; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rooks c2/d8; pawns a6/b5/e6/f7/g7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: R1d2 — rook d1→d2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rd1 (rook d2→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook c1→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook d3→d1, captures rook).
4. Best move: Ke7 — king f8→e7. Opponent replies Nf5+ (knight d6→f5, gives check).
5. Best move: exf5 — pawn e6→f5, captures knight. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook d1→d8, captures rook).
6. Best move: Kxd8 — king e7→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, very long. The key move Rxd1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r1k2/5pp1/p2Np3/1p6/8/3R4/PPr2PPP/3R2K1 w - - 3 31

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