Chess Puzzle #BEZ2H — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; rook c4; bishop c6; pawns a2/b3/d5/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rook c8; bishop e8; pawns a3/b4/d6/e5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe8 — bishop c6→e8, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc4 — rook c8→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies bxc4 (pawn b3→c4, captures rook).
3. Best move: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Opponent replies axb3 (pawn a2→b3, captures pawn).
4. Best move: a2 — pawn a3→a2. Opponent replies Kc3 (king d2→c3).
5. Best move: a1=Q+ — pawn a2→a1, promotes to queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, promotion, very long. The key move Rxc4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r1b2k/6pp/2Bp4/3Pp3/1pR1P3/pP3P2/P2K2PP/8 w - - 4 39

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