Chess Puzzle #1pNK0 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h1; rook c7; pawns d7/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rook b8; knight e2; pawns e6/f7/g5/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nf4 — knight e2→f4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc8 (rook b8→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: dxc8=Q+ — pawn d7→c8, captures rook, promotes to queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, promotion, short. The key move dxc8=Q+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/2RP1p1p/4p3/6p1/8/5P2/4n2P/7K b - - 0 29

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