puz2010 vs hikaru

Black played 35...Rxf3, the rook on f4 slid down one square and captured the white pawn on f3. The capture eliminates a pawn that was shielding White's king and queen, and it places the black rook on a very active square directly in front of White's king. After the move the black rook attacks the white queen on f2 and also eyes the g3 bishop. White's remaining threats (d4 and d7) are now less dangerous because the rook can interpose or capture on d3 if needed. Meanwhile, Black still threatens the pawn push ...e4 and the advance ...h3, keeping the initiative.

The engine marks 35...Rxf3 as the optimal move because it does three critical things at once: (1) wins material by removing the undefended pawn on f3; (2) activates the rook on the seventh rank, creating immediate tactical pressure on the white queen (Qf2) and the g3 bishop; and (3) clears the f‑file for potential future ideas such as ...Qf4 or ...Rf8‑f2. Any alternative, like a quiet ...e4 or ...h3, would allow White to consolidate with Qg2 or continue the d‑pawn push. By capturing on f3 Black converts a passive position into a concrete attack, preserving the material edge and exploiting White's undefended pieces (a1 rook, c5 pawn, d3 pawn).

Capture hanging pieces and activate your pieces simultaneously – when an opponent leaves a pawn or piece undefended, taking it not only gains material but can also turn a quiet position into an active one by placing your piece on a square that creates immediate threats.