Chess Puzzle #1v0Qt — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h5; rooks e3/g6; pawns b3/g4/h3. Black: king f7; rooks b7/d5; pawns c5/d6/e7/g5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook b7→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf3+ — rook e3→f3, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king f7→e8).
3. Best move: Rg8+ — rook g6→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Kd7 (king e8→d7).
4. Best move: Rxb8 — rook g8→b8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame, skewer. The key move is Rf3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1r2pk2/3p2R1/2pr2pK/6P1/1P2R2P/8/8 b - - 3 43

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