Chess Puzzle #9ps3Q — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rooks a1/h1; knight e8; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/g7. Black: king g8; rooks b8/f7; bishop c8; knight c6; pawns a6/b7/d7/e6/f5/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b7→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxh7 — rook h1→h7, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rxg7 (rook f7→g7, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxg7+ — rook h7→g7, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kf8 (king g8→f8).
4. Best move: Rh1 — rook a1→h1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, kingside attack, long, middlegame. The key move Rxg7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1rb1N1k1/1p1p1rPp/p1n1p3/5p2/8/3K4/PP3PP1/R6R b - - 3 24

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