Chess Puzzle #18nai — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c6; rook a1; pawns a4/b5/c3/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen e3; rook f8; bishop e2; pawns a5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf1+ — rook f8→f1, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf1 — rook a1→f1, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxf1 (bishop e2→f1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qc8+ — queen c6→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
4. Best move: Qf5+ — queen c8→f5, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxf1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/6p1/2Q4p/pP6/P7/2P1q2P/4b1P1/R6K b - - 4 31

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