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

Position

White: king g1; rooks a1/a3; bishop b5; pawns b3/c4/d5/g2/h3. Black: king c5; rooks a5/a8; bishop f4; pawns a4/b7/e5/f6/g5/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa5 — rook a3→a5, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxa5 (rook a8→a5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxa5 — rook a1→a5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move Rxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r7/1p6/5p2/rBkPp1p1/p1P2b1p/RP5P/6P1/R5K1 b - - 0 32

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