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

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/d5; bishop f6; pawns a2/b2/e4/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d7; rook f8; pawns a6/b7/d6/e5/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc8 — rook f8→c8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c1→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qxc8 (queen d7→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd6 — rook d5→d6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/1p1q1p1p/p2p1Bp1/3Rp3/4P3/5P2/PP3P1P/2R3K1 b - - 0 21

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