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

Position

White: king d3; rook d8; pawns a4/c4/e3/f2/g3. Black: king e6; rook e7; pawns a7/b6/c5/f5/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd7+ — rook e7→d7, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd7 — rook d8→d7, captures rook. Opponent replies Kxd7 (king e6→d7, captures rook).
3. Best move: e4 — pawn e3→e4. Opponent replies Ke6 (king d7→e6).
4. Best move: Ke3 — king d3→e3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, rook endgame. The key move Rxd7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3R4/p3r3/1p2k3/2p2p2/P1P3p1/3KP1P1/5P2/8 b - - 1 39

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