Chess Puzzle #m5InT — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; queen f3; rooks a1/h1; bishop d2; knights c3/e2; pawns b5/c2/d5/f4/g4. Black: king g8; queen a5; rooks a3/f8; bishop g7; knights d7/f6; pawns d6/e7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa1 — rook a3→a1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa1 — rook h1→a1, captures rook. Opponent replies Qb4+ (queen a5→b4, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc1 — king b2→c1.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Rxa1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/3np1bp/3p1np1/qP1P4/5PP1/r1N2Q2/1KPBN3/R6R b - - 3 22

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