Chess Puzzle #4p1cn — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e4; rook f7; pawns e5/f4/g2/h2. Black: king c5; rook a3; pawns a5/b6/e6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc3 — rook a3→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc7+ — rook f7→c7, gives check. Opponent replies Kb4 (king c5→b4).
3. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c7→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king b4→c3, captures rook).
4. Best move: f5 — pawn f4→f5.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move is Rc7+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5Rpp/1p2p3/p1k1P3/4KP2/r7/6PP/8 b - - 2 42

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