Chess Puzzle #55vAY — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e1; knight f1; pawns a2/b3/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; rook d7; knight c4; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd2 — knight c4→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook e8→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd8 (king c8→d8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Nxd2 — knight f1→d2, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long, queenside attack. The key move Rxd8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/pppr1ppp/8/8/2n5/1PP5/P4PPP/4RNK1 b - - 0 22

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