Chess Puzzle #D82R8 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b1/b5; pawns a4/c4/f4/g3/h2. Black: king c8; rooks d2/h8; knight c6; pawns a5/c7/e6/f5/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb4 — knight c6→b4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa5 — rook b5→a5, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c8→d7).
3. Best move: Rxb4 — rook b1→b4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

capturing the defender, endgame, equality, short. The key move Rxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2k4r/2p4p/2n1p3/pR3p2/P1P2P2/6P1/3r3P/1R4K1 b - - 4 38

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.