Chess Puzzle #1s8mJ — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rook a6; pawns c3/f2/g3/h4. Black: king e6; rook a4; pawns a5/c5/d5/f5/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke5 — king e6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: f4+ — pawn f2→f4, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf4 (rook a4→f4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: gxf4+ — pawn g3→f4, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move gxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/R3k3/p1pp1p1p/r6P/2PK2P1/5P2/8 b - - 1 38

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