Chess Puzzle #9g2zx — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook b7; knight d3; pawns d4/d6/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f8; rook a2; knights d2/d5; pawns b4/b6/f6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc4 — knight d2→c4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b7→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king f8→f7).
3. Best move: d7 — pawn d6→d7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move is Rb8+.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/1R6/1p1P1p1p/3n2p1/1p1P4/3N1P1P/r2n2P1/6K1 b - - 2 49

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