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

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rooks d1/d4; knight f2; pawns a2/b2/c3/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c6; rooks d8/e8; knight c4; pawns a7/b6/d5/g6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e8→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc4 — rook d4→c4, captures knight. Opponent replies Rde8 (rook d8→e8).
3. Best move: Re4 — rook c4→e4.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, pin, short. The key move Rxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3rr1k1/p5p1/1pq3pp/3p4/2nR4/1QP2P2/PP3NPP/3R2K1 b - - 3 24

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