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

Position

White: king g1; queen e6; rooks c1/c6; knights e2/f3; pawns a3/b4/d4/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen d8; rooks c8/f8; bishop a7; knight b6; pawns a6/b5/c7/f5/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc7 — rook c6→c7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc7 — rook c8→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxc7 (rook c1→c7, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc7 — queen d8→c7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2rq1r1k/b1p3p1/pnR1Q2p/1p2Pp2/1P1P4/P4N2/4NPPP/2R3K1 w - - 0 22

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