Chess Puzzle #ik9qI — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen a3; rooks f1/f7; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/g3/g5/h4. Black: king c8; queen c4; rooks f8/h8; pawns a6/b7/d5/e6/g6/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf7 — rook f1→f7, captures rook. Opponent replies Qd3+ (queen c4→d3, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc1 — king b1→c1. Opponent replies Qe3+ (queen d3→e3, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd1 — king c1→d1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move Rxf7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2k2r1r/1p3Rp1/p3p1p1/3p2P1/2qP3P/Q1P3P1/PP6/1K3R2 b - - 0 31

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