Chess Puzzle #AfXTb — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/e3; bishop b6; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rooks a5/a8; knight c3; pawns b5/e5/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra1 — rook a5→a1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook e3→c3, captures knight. Opponent replies b4 (pawn b5→b4).
3. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
4. Best move: Be3 — bishop b6→e3. Opponent replies b3 (pawn b4→b3).
5. Best move: Rxa8 — rook c8→a8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, hanging piece, very long. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r6k/5pp1/1B5p/rp2p3/8/2n1R2P/5PP1/2R3K1 b - - 1 32

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