Chess Puzzle #8hPOQ — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks a1/c5; bishop g2; pawns a2/d4/f2/f4/g3/h2. Black: king f8; queen b4; rooks d2/h8; pawns a7/c3/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc1 — queen d1→c1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxd4 — queen b4→d4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rc8+ (rook c5→c8, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke7 — king f8→e7. Opponent replies Qa3+ (queen c1→a3, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd7 — king e7→d7.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move Qxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5k1r/p4ppp/4p3/2R5/1q1P1P2/2p3P1/P2r1PBP/R2Q2K1 w - - 2 25

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