Chess Puzzle #4RMFx — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; rooks c2/f1; pawns a2/d4/e3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king b7; queen a3; pawns a7/b6/e6/f6/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb2 — rook c2→b2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc3+ — queen a3→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Rc2 (rook b2→c2).
3. Best move: Qa1+ — queen c3→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Kd2 (king c1→d2).
4. Best move: Qxf1 — queen a1→f1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, queen rook endgame, skewer. The key move is Qc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/pk4p1/1p2pp1p/8/3P4/q3P1P1/P1R2P1P/2K2R2 w - - 7 30

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