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

Position

White: king e1; rooks a1/h7; bishop e2; pawns a2/b2/d4/e5/f3/g2. Black: king d8; rooks a8/f8; bishop e6; knight e7; pawns a7/b7/c4/c6/d5/f5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf7 — rook f8→f7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h7→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d8→c7).
3. Best move: Rxa8 — rook h8→a8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short, skewer. The key move is Rh8+.

Position data

FEN: r2k1r2/pp2n2R/2p1b3/3pPp2/2pP4/5P2/PP2B1P1/R3K3 b Q - 1 24

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