Chess Puzzle #1qGWH — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c7; bishop g2; knights a3/c1; pawns d6/e3/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook a1; bishops d3/g7; knight g4; pawns f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3 — rook a1→a3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop g7→f8).
3. Best move: d7 — pawn d6→d7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, middlegame, short. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/2R2pbp/3P2p1/8/6n1/N2bP1P1/6BP/r1N3K1 b - - 2 38

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