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

Position

White: king h2; queen c4; rook e2; bishop g2; pawns a4/f4/g3/h3. Black: king h7; queen d1; rook e7; bishop g7; pawns a7/e3/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc2 — queen c4→c2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc2 — queen d1→c2, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook e2→c2, captures queen).
3. Best move: e2 — pawn e3→e2. Opponent replies Rxe2 (rook c2→e2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Rxe2 — rook e7→e2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, long. The key move Qxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/p3r1bk/6p1/8/P1Q2P2/4p1PP/4R1BK/3q4 w - - 1 37

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