Chess Puzzle #2Sshk — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/c2; bishop f4; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks a8/b7; bishop g7; pawns b4/d5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e5 — pawn e6→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop g7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxa8 — rook c8→a8, captures rook. Opponent replies exf4 (pawn e5→f4, captures bishop).
4. Best move: Rcc8 — rook c1→c8.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/1r3pbp/4p1p1/3p4/1p3B2/7P/2R2PP1/2R3K1 b - - 1 33

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