Chess Puzzle #3Mx9v — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; rook a6; bishop f5; pawns b3/c2/g4/h5. Black: king d8; rooks c3/e7; pawns a5/b5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a5→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a6→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king d8→c7).
3. Best move: Rc8+ — rook a8→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c7→d6).
4. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c8→c3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, skewer. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 3k4/4r1p1/R6p/pp3B1P/6P1/1Pr5/2P5/1K6 b - - 4 37

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