Chess Puzzle #pP5sx — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d6; rooks c1/f1; pawns a3/b4/f2/g2/h4. Black: king g8; rooks b2/e8; bishops d4/f5; knight c6; pawns a6/b7/d3/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ree2 — rook e8→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc6 — rook c1→c6, captures knight. Opponent replies Be5 (bishop d4→e5).
3. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d6→d8, gives check.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1p3p1p/p1nQ2p1/5b2/1P1b3P/P2p4/1r3PP1/2R2RK1 b - - 5 26

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