Chess Puzzle #7pR4s — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks d4/e2; bishop f4; knight a7; pawns a2/c2/f3/g5/h4. Black: king d8; rooks c6/h8; knights c4/e7; pawns a6/b7/d5/f5/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb6 — rook c6→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc4 — rook d4→c4, captures knight. Opponent replies dxc4 (pawn d5→c4, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rd2+ — rook e2→d2, gives check. Opponent replies Ke8 (king d8→e8).
4. Best move: Bc7 — bishop f4→c7. Opponent replies Re6 (rook b6→e6).
5. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d2→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king e8→f7).
6. Best move: Rxh8 — rook d8→h8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, exposed king, middlegame, sacrifice, skewer, very long. The key move Rxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3k3r/Np2n3/p1r3p1/3p1pPp/2nR1B1P/5P2/P1P1R3/2K5 b - - 1 28

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