Chess Puzzle #39xtJ — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d3; rooks c1/d1; knight e4; pawns a2/e3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rooks b8/c7; pawns a4/b4/c3/f7/g6/h5. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc2 — king d3→c2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: b3+ — pawn b4→b3, gives check. Opponent replies axb3 (pawn a2→b3, captures pawn).
3. Best move: axb3+ — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c2→b1).
4. Best move: c2+ — pawn c3→c2, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, exposed king, long. The key move axb3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/2r2p2/6p1/7p/pp2N3/2pKP2P/P4PP1/2RR4 w - - 2 34

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