Chess Puzzle #k68qU — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen h2; rooks d1/d7; pawns a2/b2/c3/f3. Black: king g8; queen g7; rooks c5/c8; pawns a6/b4/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc3+ — rook c5→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxc3+ (rook c8→c3, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kb1 — king c1→b1. Opponent replies Rc1+ (rook c3→c1, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxc1 — rook d1→c1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/3R2qp/p5p1/2r5/1p6/2P2P2/PP5Q/2KR4 b - - 1 29

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