Chess Puzzle #34Bax — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook d2; bishop e6; pawns a2/b3. Black: king h8; queen a1; pawns a3/b6/c7/g6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h6 — pawn h7→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d2→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Bg8+ — bishop e6→g8, gives check.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, short. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 7k/2p3pp/1p2B1p1/8/8/pP6/P2RK3/q7 b - - 8 37

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