Chess Puzzle #1aSts — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen g6; rook e1; bishop a3; knight f3; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen f4; rooks e2/e8; bishop g7; pawns a6/a7/c6/f6/g5/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2+ — rook e2→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxf2 — king f1→f2, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook e8→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Kxe1 — king f2→e1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Kxf2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p5b1/p1p2pQ1/6p1/3P1q1p/B1P2N1P/PP2rPP1/4RK2 b - - 12 26

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