Chess Puzzle #8MUpb — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c6; rook f1; pawns a3/b4/c5/d4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen e3; rook e8; pawns a7/c7/g5/g7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc7 — queen c6→c7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qf2 — queen e3→f2. Opponent replies Rg1 (rook f1→g1).
3. Best move: Re1 — rook e8→e1. Opponent replies Qc8+ (queen c7→c8, gives check).
4. Best move: Kh7 — king h8→h7.

Tactical themes

clearance, defensive move, endgame, equality, long. The key move is Qf2.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/p1p3p1/2Q5/2P3p1/1P1P4/P3q3/6PP/5R1K w - - 1 27

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