Chess Puzzle #9GGMN — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rook c1; knight e4; pawns a3/c5/d6/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen d5; rook a8; bishop a5; knight f4; pawns a7/b6/c6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxc5 — pawn b6→c5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc5 — rook c1→c5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qd4 (queen d5→d4).
3. Best move: Rxa5 — rook c5→a5, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r6k/p7/1ppP3p/b1Pq2p1/4Nn2/P4Q1P/5PP1/2R3K1 b - - 0 36

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