Chess Puzzle #3R5OK — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c4; rooks b1/c1; bishop e4; knights f2/f3; pawns a4/b5/e5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen h6; rooks c8/d8; bishop b7; knight d5; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb3 — queen c4→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc1+ — rook c8→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook b1→c1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc1+ — queen h6→c1, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Rxc1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2rr2k1/pb3p1p/1p2p1pq/1P1nP3/P1Q1B3/5N1P/5NP1/1RR3K1 w - - 3 27

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