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

Position

White: king g1; queen g4; rook c1; bishop c3; pawns b4/c4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen a6; rook d3; bishop f8; pawns e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe4 — queen g4→e4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook d3→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxc3 (rook c1→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qa1+ — queen a6→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Kh2 (king g1→h2).
4. Best move: Qxc3 — queen a1→c3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, attraction, endgame, fork, long, sacrifice. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5bk1/5pp1/q3p2p/8/1PP3Q1/2Br3P/5PP1/2R3K1 w - - 3 27

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