Chess Puzzle #2CtUV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c6; rook e1; pawns a2/e6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen e7; rook d8; pawns a6/b5/c4/f6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd6 — rook d8→d6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxd6 — queen c6→d6, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxd6 (queen e7→d6, captures queen).
3. Best move: e7 — pawn e6→e7. Opponent replies Qc6 (queen d6→c6).
4. Best move: e8=Q — pawn e7→e8, promotes to queen. Opponent replies Qxe8 (queen c6→e8, captures queen).
5. Best move: Rxe8 — rook e1→e8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, promotion, sacrifice, very long. The key move Qxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/4q1kp/p1Q1Ppp1/1p6/2p5/8/P4PPP/4R1K1 b - - 3 31

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