Chess Puzzle #1o4VJ — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a1; rook f1; bishops a5/a6; knight e5; pawns c5/d4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen a7; rook f8; bishops c8/e7; knight d5; pawns c6/e6/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc6 — knight e5→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxa6 — queen a7→a6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Nxe7+ (knight c6→e7, captures bishop, gives check).
3. Best move: Nxe7 — knight d5→e7, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Qxa6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2b2rk1/q3bpp1/B1p1p2p/B1PnN3/3P4/6P1/5P1P/Q4RK1 w - - 3 22

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