Chess Puzzle #4aj2m — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; rook d4; knight d6; pawns a3/e4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook b2; pawns a4/b5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb4 — rook d4→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxb4 — rook b2→b4, captures rook. Opponent replies axb4 (pawn a3→b4, captures rook).
3. Best move: a3 — pawn a4→a3. Opponent replies Nxb5 (knight d6→b5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6pp/3N4/1p6/p2RP3/P4K2/1r4PP/8 w - - 0 32

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