Chess Puzzle #3pgR2 — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; queen b2; rook d1; pawns a2/f6/g3/h2. Black: king h7; queen e4; rook c2; pawns d6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qd4 — queen b2→d4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc1+ — rook c2→c1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook d1→c1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd4+ — queen e4→d4, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, short. The key move Qxd4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/6pk/3p1P1p/8/4q3/6P1/PQr4P/K2R4 w - - 1 38

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