Chess Puzzle #1z7aO — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook b5; bishop e2; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d2; bishop d4; pawns a7/c7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook d2→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b5→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Bd3+ — bishop e2→d3, gives check. Opponent replies g6 (pawn g7→g6).
4. Best move: Bxc2 — bishop d3→c2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rb8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1p2pp1/7p/1R6/3b4/1P6/P1PrBPPP/5K2 b - - 2 23

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