Chess Puzzle #3auOj — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; queen d7; rook d1; bishop c3; pawns a3/c4/e5/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen c5; rook c8; knights g6/h6; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc6+ — queen c5→c6, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxc6 — queen d7→c6, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxc6 (rook c8→c6, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Nf8 (knight g6→f8).
4. Best move: Bb4 — bishop c3→b4.

Tactical themes

advantage, clearance, long, middlegame. The key move Qxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p2Q1ppp/1p2p1nn/2q1P3/2P2P2/P1B2KP1/7P/3R4 b - - 6 27

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