Chess Puzzle #GB8x9 — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c6; rooks b5/f1; bishops b2/f3; pawns a2/d4/e3/f2/g4. Black: king b8; queen c7; rooks f8/g8; bishop d6; pawns a7/b7/h5. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc6 — queen c7→c6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxc6 — bishop f3→c6, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxg4+ (rook g8→g4, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Bg2 — bishop c6→g2.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, pin, short. The key move Bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1k3rr1/ppq5/2Qb4/1R5p/3P2P1/4PB2/PB3P2/5RK1 b - - 0 23

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