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

Position

White: king a2; queen b5; rook a1; knight c6; pawns a6/b2/c2/e5. Black: king c8; queen g6; rook h4; knight c5; pawns a7/b6/c7/d5/e6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra4+ — rook h4→a4, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxa4 — queen b5→a4, captures rook. Opponent replies Nxa4 (knight c5→a4, captures queen).
3. Best move: Ne7+ — knight c6→e7, gives check. Opponent replies Kd7 (king c8→d7).
4. Best move: Nxg6 — knight e7→g6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long, sacrifice. The key move Qxa4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/p1p5/PpN1p1q1/1QnpP3/7r/8/KPP5/R7 b - - 11 35

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