Chess Puzzle #5Mgjh — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook a5; bishop d4; pawns c2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d7; pawns c4/c6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe7 — queen d7→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a5→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Ra7 — rook a8→a7. Opponent replies Qxa7 (queen e7→a7, captures rook).
4. Best move: Bxa7 — bishop d4→a7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pin. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3q2pp/2p5/R7/2pB4/2P5/2P2PPP/6K1 b - - 0 36

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