Chess Puzzle #MVf37 — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rooks a1/f7; bishop g2; knights d5/e5; pawns a2/b2/c4/e4/h6. Black: king h8; rooks b7/d8; bishops a6/f8; knights b8/e2; pawns a7/b6/c5/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxh6 — bishop f8→h6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb7 — rook f7→b7, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxb7 (bishop a6→b7, captures rook).
3. Best move: Nf7+ — knight e5→f7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h8→g7).
4. Best move: Nxd8 — knight f7→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, fork, long, middlegame. The key move Rxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1n1r1b1k/pr3R1p/bp5P/2pNN3/2P1P3/8/PP2n1BK/R7 b - - 6 31

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