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

Position

White: king b5; rook d1; pawns b2/f2/g2/h4. Black: king g8; bishops b6/b7; pawns c5/e4/f4/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ba7 — bishop b6→a7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Rd7+ — rook d8→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king f7→f6).
4. Best move: Rxb7 — rook d7→b7, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1b4pp/1b6/1Kp5/4pp1P/8/1P3PP1/3R4 b - - 2 29

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