Chess Puzzle #4Ak0J — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook b7; knight a5; pawns d6/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king d8; rook c4; knight f8; pawns b4/d7/e6/f5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc5 — rook c4→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c5→c8).
3. Best move: Nb7+ — knight a5→b7, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king d8→e8).
4. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook b8→c8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, long. The key move Rxc8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3k1n2/1R1p2pp/3Pp3/N3Pp2/1pr5/7P/4KPP1/8 b - - 9 37

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