Chess Puzzle #25W4p — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e5; rook b5; pawns a3/b2/f4/g4/h3. Black: king d7; rook d6; pawns b6/b7/c4/f7/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc6 — king d7→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb6+ — rook b5→b6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb6 (king c6→b6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxd6 — king e5→d6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/1p1k1p2/1p1r2pp/1R2K3/2p2PP1/P6P/1P6/8 b - - 2 41

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