Chess Puzzle #Cxesp — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c7; bishops e5/f3; pawns a2/c3/e3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king f8; rook b2; bishop a6; pawns a5/c6/e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c7→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rb1+ — rook b2→b1, gives check. Opponent replies Bd1 (bishop f3→d1).
3. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook b1→d1, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king g1→g2).
4. Best move: Bb7 — bishop a6→b7.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, pin. The key move Rxd1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/2R2pp1/b1p1p2p/p3B3/8/2P1PBP1/Pr3P1P/6K1 w - - 1 23

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