Chess Puzzle #3cJ5M — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks e3/f1; knight g3; pawns a2/c3/e4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e8; rooks c2/f8; bishop g7; pawns a6/c7/d6/f5/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c2→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook e3→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxc3 (bishop g7→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qb3+ — queen d1→b3, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4qrk1/2p3b1/p2p2pp/5p2/4P3/2P1R1NP/P1r3P1/3Q1RK1 b - - 1 25

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