Chess Puzzle #BCoeN — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook c6; pawns a6/e5/f4/g2/h2. Black: king b8; rook b7; bishop c7; pawns e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb6 — rook b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: a7+ — pawn a6→a7, gives check. Opponent replies Kxa7 (king b8→a7, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Rxc7+ — rook c6→c7, captures bishop, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, attraction, deflection, endgame, equality, short. The key move Rxc7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/1rb2ppp/P1R1p3/4P3/5P2/8/4K1PP/8 b - - 0 28

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