Chess Puzzle #4OvSE — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b1/b2; bishop d5; pawns a5/c4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king a7; queen c5; rook b8; pawns a6/b6/d6/e4/f5/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e3 — pawn e4→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: axb6+ — pawn a5→b6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb6 (rook b8→b6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxb6 — rook b2→b6, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxb6 (queen c5→b6, captures rook).
4. Best move: Rxb6 — rook b1→b6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move axb6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/k6p/pp1p4/P1qB1p2/2P1p3/6P1/1R3P1P/1R4K1 b - - 2 30

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