Chess Puzzle #1EK3X — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g5; rooks a1/b7; bishop h2; knight f3; pawns b5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king f7; queen c4; rooks c8/g6; bishop e7; knight d7; pawns d6/e6/f5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qh5 — queen g5→h5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc1+ — queen c4→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Ne1 (knight f3→e1).
3. Best move: Qxa1 — queen c1→a1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, pin, short. The key move is Qc1+.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/1R1nbk2/3pp1r1/1P3pQ1/2q5/5N1P/5PPB/R5K1 w - - 1 29

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