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

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; knight e4; pawns a2/b2/d7/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop g7; pawns a7/b7/d4/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd7 — rook d8→d7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop g7→f8).
3. Best move: Nf6+ — knight e4→f6, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
4. Best move: Nxd7 — knight f6→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/pp1P1pbp/6p1/8/3pN3/6P1/PP3P1P/2R3K1 b - - 1 24

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