Chess Puzzle #00xnu — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c6; rooks a1/c8; bishop e5; pawns d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king a6; queen b4; rook d7; bishop e4; knight b6; pawns a4/a7/g6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa4+ — rook a1→a4, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxa4 — queen b4→a4, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxa4+ (queen c6→a4, captures queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Nxa4 — knight b6→a4, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Qxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/p2r4/knQ3p1/4B3/pq1Pb3/8/5PPP/R5K1 w - - 4 40

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