Chess Puzzle #Ax5h9 — Expert, Black to move, opening

Position

White: king e1; queen a6; rooks a1/h1; bishop h2; knights e4/g5; pawns a2/b2/c3/d6/e3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king b8; queen d7; rooks d8/h8; bishop h6; knights a5/g8; pawns a7/b6/c6/f7/g4/h4. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nc5 — knight e4→c5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxc5 — pawn b6→c5, captures knight. Opponent replies Qxa5 (queen a6→a5, captures knight).
3. Best move: Bxg5 — bishop h6→g5, captures knight. Opponent replies Qc7+ (queen a5→c7, gives check).
4. Best move: Ka8 — king b8→a8.

Tactical themes

equality, hanging piece, long, middlegame. The key move bxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1k1r2nr/p2q1p2/QppP3b/n5N1/4N1pp/2P1P2P/PP3PPB/R3K2R w KQ - 1 21

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