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

Position

White: king g1; queen b2; rook a4; pawns b3/c2/d4/f2/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d2; rook c8; pawns b6/d5/e6/f5/f7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qa2 — queen b2→a2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook c8→c2, captures pawn. Opponent replies Ra8+ (rook a4→a8, gives check).
3. Best move: Kg7 — king g8→g7. Opponent replies Qxc2 (queen a2→c2, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxc2 — queen d2→c2, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5p1p/1p2p3/3p1p2/R2P1P2/1P4P1/1QPq1P1P/6K1 w - - 3 28

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