Chess Puzzle #WYQ91 — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b3; queen f3; rooks c2/e4; bishop b4; pawns a3/b2/g2/h3. Black: king e8; queen g6; rooks d5/e6; bishop e5; pawns a7/b6/d4/f7/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d3 — pawn d4→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd8 (king e8→d8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Rc4 — rook e4→c4.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, long, middlegame. The key move Rxd8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/p4p2/1p2r1qp/3rb1p1/1B1pR3/PK3Q1P/1PR3P1/8 b - - 1 36

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