Chess Puzzle #PemMM — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; rook a2; bishop f7; knight h5; pawns e4/f3/g2/h4. Black: king c7; rook a1; bishop b5; pawns a5/b4/c3/e5. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa2 — rook a1→a2, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxa2 — bishop f7→a2, captures rook. Opponent replies Kd6 (king c7→d6).
3. Best move: Nf6 — knight h5→f6.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, short. The key move Bxa2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/2k2B2/8/pb2p2N/1p2P2P/2p1KP2/R5P1/r7 b - - 1 37

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