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

Position

White: king d2; rooks a1/e5; bishop c4; knight c3; pawns a3/b4/d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king d7; rooks a8/h8; bishops b6/g6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd4 — bishop b6→d4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd5+ — rook e5→d5, gives check. Opponent replies Kc8 (king d7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxd4 — rook d5→d4, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, fork, middlegame, short. The key move is Rd5+.

Position data

FEN: r6r/pppk1ppp/1b4b1/4R3/1PBP4/P1N5/3K1PPP/R7 b - - 2 17

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