Chess Puzzle #3Ahbw — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rook c1; pawns a3/b2/e3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen f3; rook d8; pawns a7/b6/e4/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd2 — rook d8→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: Qc3+ — queen b3→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Kh6 (king g7→h6).
4. Best move: Qxd2 — queen c3→d2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p4p1p/1p4p1/8/4p3/PQ2PqP1/1P3P1P/2R3K1 b - - 4 24

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