Chess Puzzle #4A9M8 — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen d4; rook h1; knight c4; pawns a3/b3/f2/h6. Black: king g6; queen e6; rook g8; knight f4; pawns a6/g5/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ne5+ — knight c4→e5, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxe5 — queen e6→e5, captures knight. Opponent replies Qxe5 (queen d4→e5, captures queen).
3. Best move: Nd3+ — knight f4→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Kd2 (king c1→d2).
4. Best move: Nxe5 — knight d3→e5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, attraction, endgame, exposed king, fork, long, sacrifice. The key move Qxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6r1/7p/p3q1kP/6p1/2NQ1n2/PP6/5P2/2K4R w - - 1 37

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