Chess Puzzle #2STCV — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b4; rook f1; knights b5/e2; pawns a3/b2/c5/d4/f3/g2/g3. Black: king c6; queen e3; rooks a8/h8; knight h5; pawns c7/d5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh2 — king g1→h2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxe2 — queen e3→e2, captures knight. Opponent replies Na7+ (knight b5→a7, gives check).
3. Best move: Rxa7 — rook a8→a7, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Qxe2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r6r/2p2ppp/2k5/1NPp3n/1Q1P4/P3qPP1/1P2N1P1/5RK1 w - - 0 23

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