Chess Puzzle #JtxdX — Expert, White to move, opening

Position

White: king e1; queen f4; rooks a1/h1; bishops b2/b5; knights d2/h6; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; queen d8; rooks a8/e8; bishops c5/c8; knights c6/f6; pawns a7/b7/c7/e4/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf2+ — bishop c5→f2, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf2 — queen f4→f2, captures bishop. Opponent replies e3 (pawn e4→e3).
3. Best move: Ba3+ — bishop b2→a3, gives check. Opponent replies Re7 (rook e8→e7).
4. Best move: Qxe3 — queen f2→e3, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, middlegame, pin. The key move Qxf2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r1bqrk2/ppp2ppp/2n2n1N/1Bb5/4pQ2/1P6/PBPN1PPP/R3K2R b KQ - 3 12

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