Chess Puzzle #2lVw2 — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen d5; rook e8; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/f2. Black: king g6; queen h4; rook c4; pawns a7/b4/d6/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: bxc3 — pawn b4→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxc4 — queen d5→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies Qh1+ (queen h4→h1, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc2 — king b1→c2. Opponent replies cxb2 (pawn c3→b2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kxb2 — king c2→b2, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move Qxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4R3/p5pp/3p1pk1/3Q4/1prP3q/2P5/PP3P2/1K6 b - - 0 30

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