Chess Puzzle #58eRH — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook a7; pawns d5/e3/f2/g3/h4. Black: king e5; rook d2; pawns d6/e7/f6/g4/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d2→d5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe7+ — rook a7→e7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kf5 (king e5→f5).
3. Best move: e4+ — pawn e3→e4, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king f5→g6).
4. Best move: exd5 — pawn e4→d5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxe7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/R3p3/3p1p2/3Pk2p/6pP/4P1P1/3r1P2/5K2 b - - 7 41

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