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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/d1; bishops a5/d5; pawns c3/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king b7; rooks a8/h8; bishop c6; pawns b6/c7/e5/f5/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a8→a5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa5 — rook a1→a5, captures rook. Opponent replies bxa5 (pawn b6→a5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rb1+ — rook d1→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Ka7 (king b7→a7).
4. Best move: Bxc6 — bishop d5→c6, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, long. The key move Rxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r6r/1kp3p1/1pb4p/B2Bpp2/8/2P1P3/5PPP/R2R2K1 b - - 0 27

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