Chess Puzzle #8eTuQ — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen d7; rook h1; knight c3; pawns a2/b3/d2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen c2; rook f8; bishop e7; knight c6; pawns e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd4+ — knight c6→d4, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxd4 — queen d7→d4, captures knight. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook f8→d8).
3. Best move: Qe3 — queen d4→e3.

Tactical themes

equality, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Qxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/3Qbppp/2n1p3/8/8/1PN3P1/P1qPKP1P/7R b - - 0 15

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