Chess Puzzle #2JN4T — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; rook c1; pawns c3/d4/f4/g3/h2. Black: king h8; rook c8; pawns b4/e6/f7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b4→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kd3 — king e4→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r4k/5p1p/4p3/8/1p1PKP2/2P3P1/7P/2R5 b - - 0 32

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