Chess Puzzle #G7u4q — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d2; rooks c1/e1; knight d5; pawns a2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks c8/f7; bishop g6; pawns a5/c6/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c1→c6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc6 — rook c8→c6, captures rook. Opponent replies Ne7+ (knight d5→e7, gives check).
3. Best move: Qxe7 — queen d8→e7, captures knight. Opponent replies Rxe7 (rook e1→e7, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxe7 — rook f7→e7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, master, middlegame. The key move Rxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2rq2k1/5rp1/2p3bp/p2N4/8/7P/P2Q1PP1/2R1R1K1 w - - 0 23

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