Chess Puzzle #5MvFM — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen c1; rook d2; bishop b3; pawns a2/b2/d6/f3/h6. Black: king g8; queen h5; rook e8; knight f4; pawns a6/b7/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2+ — rook e8→e2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe2 — rook d2→e2, captures rook. Opponent replies Qh2+ (queen h5→h2, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king f2→e3. Opponent replies Qxe2+ (queen h2→e2, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxf4 — king e3→f4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxe2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1p3p1p/p2P2pP/7q/5n2/1B3P2/PP1R1K2/2Q5 b - - 0 35

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