Chess Puzzle #9dQKX — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; rook f4; knight c6; pawns a4/b5/f2/g4/h3. Black: king g8; rooks a2/a3; pawns f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa4 — rook a3→a4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa4 — rook f4→a4, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxa4 (rook a2→a4, captures rook).
3. Best move: b6 — pawn b5→b6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move Rxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p1p/2N3p1/1P6/P4RP1/r6P/r4PK1/8 b - - 2 42

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