Chess Puzzle #bHM79 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/d8; bishop c5; pawns a2/b2/c3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen e5; rook a8; bishop g7; pawns a7/c7/e4/f6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd8 — rook a8→d8, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook d1→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop g7→f8).
3. Best move: Bxf8 — bishop c5→f8, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qe6 (queen e5→e6).
4. Best move: Bh6+ — bishop f8→h6, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, discovered attack, endgame, long. The key move Rxd8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r2R3k/p1p3bp/5pp1/2B1q3/4p3/2P5/PP4PP/3R2K1 b - - 1 26

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