Chess Puzzle #o9Faq — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; queen d2; rooks e1/e3; knights c3/d3; pawns a2/b3/c4/d5/f4/h2. Black: king g7; queen h4; rooks d8/e8; bishop f5; knight h5; pawns a7/b6/f6/g4/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook e8→e3, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe3 — rook e1→e3, captures rook. Opponent replies g3 (pawn g4→g3).
3. Best move: hxg3 — pawn h2→g3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qh3+ (queen h4→h3, gives check).
4. Best move: Kg1 — king g2→g1.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, long, middlegame. The key move Rxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3rr3/p5k1/1p3p1p/3P1b1n/2P2Ppq/1PNNR3/P2Q2KP/4R3 b - - 3 30

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