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

Position

White: king h2; rooks c2/d2; pawns a2/f5/h4. Black: king h7; rook c7; bishop f8; pawns a5/c3/f6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxd2 — pawn c3→d2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc7+ — rook c2→c7, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king h7→g8).
3. Best move: Rd7 — rook c7→d7.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, hanging piece, master, short. The key move Rxc7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5b2/2r4k/5p2/p4P1p/7P/2p5/P1RR3K/8 b - - 0 40

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