Chess Puzzle #GF1MA — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; rook b1; knight c7; pawns a2/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king c4; rook b8; pawns a4/b3/e5/g6/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3+ — pawn a2→b3, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxb3+ — rook b8→b3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb3 (rook b1→b3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxb3 — king c4→b3, captures rook. Opponent replies Nb5 (knight c7→b5).
4. Best move: Kb4 — king b3→b4.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Rxb3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/2N4p/6p1/4p3/p1k1P3/1p2KP2/P5PP/1R6 w - - 0 38

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