Chess Puzzle #3YQDX — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; rook d1; bishop b3; knight e6; pawns a2/b2/g3. Black: king h8; queen f3; bishop f8; pawns a7/b7/e7/g4/h5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bh6 — bishop f8→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop h6→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook d8→f8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Qxf8 (queen f3→f8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Nxf8 — knight e6→f8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, fork, long. The key move Rxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5b1k/pp2p3/4N3/7p/6p1/1B3qP1/PP5K/3R4 b - - 7 37

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