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

Position

White: king f2; rook d7; pawns a4/b4/c3/c7/f3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c6/f8; pawns a5/f6/g7/h5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc8 — rook f8→c8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Rxc8 — rook d8→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, rook endgame, short. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/2PR2p1/2r2p2/p6p/PP6/2P2P2/5K1P/8 b - - 4 36

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