Chess Puzzle #2M3ch — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; bishops b8/h3; knight f1; pawns d6/e4/g5. Black: king g8; bishops a2/e7; knight f8; pawns b3/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd6 — bishop e7→d6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxd6 — bishop b8→d6, captures bishop. Opponent replies b2 (pawn b3→b2).
3. Best move: Nd2 — knight f1→d2. Opponent replies b1=Q+ (pawn b2→b1, promotes to queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Nxb1 — knight d2→b1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, hanging piece, long, quiet move. The key move Bxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1B3nk1/4b2p/3P2p1/6P1/4P3/1p5B/b7/5NK1 b - - 0 35

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