Chess Puzzle #1x6xF — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b7; rook a8; pawns a7/d3/f2/g4. Black: king g7; rook a3; bishop e7; pawns c5/d4/f6/g5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd3 — rook a3→d3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8 — rook a8→e8. Opponent replies Rb3+ (rook d3→b3, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc6 — king b7→c6. Opponent replies Ra3 (rook b3→a3).
4. Best move: Rxe7+ — rook e8→e7, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king g7→g6).
5. Best move: Kb7 — king c6→b7.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, very long. The key move Rxe7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: R7/PK2b1k1/5p2/2p3p1/3p2P1/r2P4/5P2/8 b - - 6 59

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