Chess Puzzle #72cLH — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook d5; bishop d3; pawns a3/b6/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook a4; bishop e5; pawns f6/g6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa3 — rook a4→a3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe5 — rook d5→e5, captures bishop. Opponent replies fxe5 (pawn f6→e5, captures rook).
3. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, sacrifice, short. The key move Rxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/8/1P3pp1/3Rb2p/r7/P2B3P/6P1/7K b - - 0 34

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