Chess Puzzle #SSqn7 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a3; rooks b3/d7; pawns b5/c3/c5/e4/g2/g4. Black: king g8; rooks a8/f2; bishop g7; pawns a5/c6/e5/f6/g5/g6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf8 — bishop g7→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Bxc5+ (bishop f8→c5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Ka4 — king a3→a4. Opponent replies Ra2+ (rook f2→a2, gives check).
4. Best move: Kb5 — king a4→b5. Opponent replies a4 (pawn a5→a4).
5. Best move: Rb1 — rook b3→b1.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, very long. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/3R2b1/2p2pp1/pPP1p1p1/4P1P1/KRP5/5rP1/8 b - - 1 31

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