Chess Puzzle #0XR8S — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a5; rooks a1/d1; bishops d4/f3; pawns c3/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d6; rooks b8/d8; bishops e6/g7; pawns a6/b5/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd4 — bishop g7→d4, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd4 — rook d1→d4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qxd4 (queen d6→d4, captures rook).
3. Best move: cxd4 — pawn c3→d4, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r1r2k1/4ppbp/p2qb1p1/Qp6/3BP3/2P2B2/5PPP/R2R2K1 b - - 5 22

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