Chess Puzzle #31ohX — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; rooks d1/h1; bishop f4; knight a8; pawns a2/b2/h2. Black: king d8; rook c2; bishop f5; knight d4; pawns a7/b7/d2/f6/h5. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2 — rook d1→d2, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd2 — rook c2→d2, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxd2 (bishop f4→d2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Nc2+ — knight d4→c2, gives check.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Rxd2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: N2k4/pp6/5p2/5b1p/3n1B2/8/PPrp3P/K2R3R w - - 0 29

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