Chess Puzzle #R1AZC — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rook d1; bishop b6; pawns d6/e6/f5/g2/h4. Black: king g8; rooks c3/d7; bishop b2; pawns b5/b7/c6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc1 — rook c3→c1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc1 — rook d1→c1, captures rook. Opponent replies fxe6 (pawn f7→e6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: fxe6 — pawn f5→e6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rxd6 (rook d7→d6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Re1 — rook c1→e1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move Rxc1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p1r1pp1/1BpPP2p/1p3P2/7P/2r5/1b4P1/3R3K b - - 0 33

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.