Chess Puzzle #24mgE — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b7; queen f6; knight f5; pawns a4/b2/c3/e4/h3. Black: king f8; queen f2; rooks c8/d2; pawns a5/b5/e5/f7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd7+ — rook d2→d7, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc8 — king b7→c8, captures rook. Opponent replies Qc5+ (queen f2→c5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxd7 — king c8→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, master, short. The key move Kxc8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r2k2/1K3p2/5Q2/pp2pN2/P3P3/2P4P/1P1r1q2/8 b - - 2 45

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