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

Position

White: king e3; rook a6; pawns b3/e6/f4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook b5; knight d2; pawns a3/b4/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxb3 — knight d2→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a6→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: e7 — pawn e6→e7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6p1/R3P2p/1r6/1p3P2/pP2K2P/3n2P1/8 b - - 2 37

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.