Chess Puzzle #CTJpQ — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; queen b3; rook b1; pawns c6/d4/e3/g6/h3. Black: king c8; queen f3; rook e8; pawns a7/b5/g7/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook e8→e3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qg8+ — queen b3→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Kc7 (king c8→c7).
3. Best move: Qxg7+ — queen g8→g7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king c7→c6, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Rc1+ — rook b1→c1, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, long. The key move Qxg7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2k1r3/p5p1/2P3P1/1p5p/3P4/1Q2Pq1P/1K6/1R6 b - - 2 46

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