Chess Puzzle #st4sB — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook d7; knight f4; pawns a2/e6/h2/h4. Black: king g8; rook c2; knight c4; pawns a6/e3/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ne5 — knight c4→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d7→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: e7 — pawn e6→e7. Opponent replies Rf2+ (rook c2→f2, gives check).
4. Best move: Ke1 — king f1→e1.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3R3p/p3P1p1/8/2n2N1P/4p3/P1r4P/5K2 b - - 0 41

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