Chess Puzzle #Ece1c — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; rook a1; knight b7; pawns a3/b4/c5/g2/h2. Black: king b3; rook e8; knight f2; pawns d3/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re1 — rook a1→e1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxe1 — rook e8→e1, captures rook. Opponent replies Na5+ (knight b7→a5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxa3 — king b3→a3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxe1 (king d2→e1, captures rook).
4. Best move: Kxb4 — king a3→b4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Nc6+ (knight a5→c6, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxc5 — king b4→c5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, very long. The key move Rxe1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r3/1N3pp1/7p/2P5/1P6/Pk1p4/3K1nPP/R7 w - - 1 31

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