Chess Puzzle #20r0J — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen c2; rooks g1/h1; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c4/d5/e4/h6. Black: king g8; queen f6; rooks f3/f8; bishop d7; pawns a6/b7/c7/d6/e5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf1+ — rook f3→f1, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf1 — rook g1→f1, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxf1+ (queen f6→f1, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Rxf1 — rook h1→f1, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxf1+ (rook f8→f1, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: Nd1 — knight c3→d1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, long, middlegame. The key move Rxf1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/1ppb3p/p2p1qpP/3Pp3/2P1P3/2N2r2/PPQ5/1K4RR b - - 5 26

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