Chess Puzzle #2Uax1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook d1; knight b6; pawns a2/b3/c4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king e7; rook c8; bishop b7; pawns a6/c5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc6 — rook c8→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd7+ — rook d1→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxb7 — rook d7→b7, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Rd7+.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/1b2kppp/pN2p3/2p5/2P5/1P4P1/P3KP1P/3R4 b - - 6 31

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