Chess Puzzle #2JN6R — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen g4; rook c4; knight d4; pawns a2/b3/d3/f3/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen e5; rook e1; bishop b7; pawns a7/b6/f6/f7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc8+ — rook c4→c8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Bxc8 — bishop b7→c8, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxc8+ (queen g4→c8, captures bishop, gives check).
3. Best move: Qe8 — queen e5→e8. Opponent replies Qxe8+ (queen c8→e8, captures queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxe8 — rook e1→e8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Bxc8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 7k/pb3p1p/1p3p2/4q3/2RN2Q1/1P1P1P1P/P4KP1/4r3 w - - 3 26

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