Chess Puzzle #OuejP — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook c3; pawns a3/b4/f3/f4/h3. Black: king d6; rook e2; pawns a7/c6/d5/f6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d4 — pawn d5→d4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc6+ — rook c3→c6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king d6→c6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxe2 — king f1→e2, captures rook. Opponent replies Kb5 (king c6→b5).
4. Best move: Kd3 — king e2→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxc6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/p6p/2pk1p2/3p4/1P3P2/P1R2P1P/4r3/5K2 b - - 4 27

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