Chess Puzzle #5QO02 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook c2; bishops c5/e4; pawns a3/d5/h2. Black: king g8; rook c8; bishop e5; knight h5; pawns a7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd4+ — bishop e5→d4, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxd4 — bishop c5→d4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook c8→c2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bxc2 — bishop e4→c2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, short. The key move Bxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4p1p/6p1/2BPb2n/4B3/P7/2R4P/6K1 b - - 1 31

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