Chess Puzzle #PQ5qD — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; rook a7; knight e5; pawns d4/g5/h2. Black: king g8; rook c2; knight f6; pawns c4/d5/e4/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nh5 — knight f6→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a7→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: g6+ — pawn g5→g6, gives check. Opponent replies Kh6 (king h7→h6).
4. Best move: h4 — pawn h2→h4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/R5p1/5n2/3pN1P1/2pPp3/4K3/2r4P/8 b - - 2 45

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