Chess Puzzle #2PW6N — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/c5; pawns a5/b4/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks a8/d7; bishop g6; pawns e5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb7 — rook d7→b7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c5→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc8 (rook a8→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c1→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
4. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Rxc8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/3r2p1/5pbp/P1R1p3/1P2P3/5P2/6PP/2R3K1 b - - 0 34

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