Chess Puzzle #Sj1Tx — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks c1/e1; bishop b2; pawns a3/b4/f5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d6; rooks c8/f8; bishop e7; pawns a6/b7/e5/f6/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd8 — bishop e7→d8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8 — rook c1→c8, captures rook. Opponent replies Bb6+ (bishop d8→b6, gives check).
3. Best move: Rc5 — rook c8→c5. Opponent replies Bxc5+ (bishop b6→c5, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: bxc5 — pawn b4→c5, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, middlegame. The key move Rxc8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r2rk1/1p2b1p1/p2q1p1p/4pP2/1P6/P6P/1B2Q1P1/2R1R1K1 b - - 0 27

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