Chess Puzzle #3kuwi — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a1; rook c1; pawns a3/b4/d4/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen c7; rook b3; pawns a6/b7/d5/e6/f7/g6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb6 — queen c7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qd1 — queen a1→d1. Opponent replies Rxg3+ (rook b3→g3, captures pawn, gives check).
4. Best move: fxg3 — pawn f2→g3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, clearance, endgame, long. The key move is Rc8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1pq2pp1/p3p1p1/3p4/1P1P4/Pr4PP/5P2/Q1R3K1 b - - 2 26

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