Chess Puzzle #tcf57 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rook f5; pawns b3/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; pawns a6/b5/e3/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf8 — rook d8→f8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook f5→f8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf8 (king g8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f8→e7).
4. Best move: Kxe3 — king e2→e3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, quiet move, rook endgame. The key move Rxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/6pp/p7/1p2PR2/8/1P2p3/4K1PP/8 b - - 1 32

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