Chess Puzzle #7wP1u — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rooks a8/b1; pawns a6/f2/g2/g3. Black: king g7; rooks c7/e7; bishop c3; pawns d4/e6/f6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra7 — rook c7→a7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa7 — rook a8→a7, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxa7 (rook e7→a7, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rb7+ — rook b1→b7, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb7 (rook a7→b7, captures rook).
4. Best move: axb7 — pawn a6→b7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxa7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: R7/2r1r1kp/P3pp2/8/3p4/2b3P1/5PPK/1R6 b - - 0 35

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