Chess Puzzle #Km69L — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen f3; rooks c7/h1; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d2; rooks d5/e8; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe1 — rook h1→e1, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxe1+ (queen d2→e1, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Rc1 — rook c7→c1.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Rxe1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p1R2ppp/1p6/3r4/8/5Q2/PP1q1PPP/1K5R b - - 3 23

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