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

Position

White: king g1; queen e3; rooks d1/e1; bishop d2; pawns a2/b2/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen h5; rooks d7/e8; bishop b4; pawns a6/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd2 — bishop b4→d2, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd2 — rook d1→d2, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxd2 (rook d7→d2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd2 — queen e3→d2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Rxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/3r1ppp/p3p3/7q/1b2P3/4QP2/PP1B2PP/3RR1K1 b - - 0 27

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