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

Position

White: king g1; queen a4; rook c1; pawns a2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c7; rook e8; pawns a6/c6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc6 — queen a4→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook c1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc6 — queen c7→c6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, short. The key move is Re1+.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/2q2pp1/p1p4p/8/Q7/7P/P4PP1/2R3K1 w - - 0 27

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