Chess Puzzle #oVB7O — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks b4/c1; bishops d1/d4; pawns e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d3; rook b8; knight f6; pawns b3/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h6 — pawn h7→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb8+ — rook b4→b8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Bf2 — bishop d4→f2.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Rxb8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/5ppp/4pn2/8/1R1BP3/1p1q1P2/6PP/2RB2K1 b - - 2 36

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