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

Position

White: king b1; queen b4; rooks d1/e2; bishop g3; knight h4; pawns a3/b2/c2/d6/f2/g2. Black: king b8; queen a7; rooks c6/c8; bishops b7/h6; pawns a6/b5/d7/e5/f6/h5/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc2 — rook c6→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook e2→c2, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook c8→c2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxc2 — king b1→c2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1kr5/qb1p3p/p1rP1p1b/1p2p2p/1Q5N/P5B1/1PP1RPP1/1K1R4 b - - 5 29

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