Chess Puzzle #9TP7a — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d3; rook b1; bishop e3; pawns a7/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king f7; queen a5; bishops e5/e6; pawns d6/e7/f5/g6/h5. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook b1→b8. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1+ — queen a5→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Qf1 (queen d3→f1).
3. Best move: Qxe3+ — queen e1→e3, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kh1 (king g1→h1).
4. Best move: Qxa7 — queen e3→a7, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, long. The key move Qxe3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/P3pk2/3pb1p1/q3bp1p/4P3/3QBP1P/6P1/1R4K1 w - - 2 38

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