Chess Puzzle #bKo5j — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c1; bishops b4/c6; pawns b2/d6/e4/f2/g2/h4. Black: king h8; rooks a6/e8; pawns a4/d7/f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook a6→c6, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc6 — rook c1→c6, captures rook. Opponent replies dxc6 (pawn d7→c6, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ba5 — bishop b4→a5. Opponent replies Rxe4 (rook e8→e4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: d7 — pawn d6→d7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move Rxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/3p2p1/r1BP1p1p/8/pB2P2P/8/1P3PP1/2R3K1 b - - 0 31

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