Chess Puzzle #Mc7NF — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen f5; rooks c1/g1; pawns a2/b2/e3/f2. Black: king h8; queen d6; rook c4; knight f6; pawns a5/b5/d5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc8+ — queen f5→c8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8 — rook c4→c8, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxc8+ (rook c1→c8, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Ng8 — knight f6→g8.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, short. The key move Rxc8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 7k/6pp/3q1n2/pp1p1Q2/2r5/4P3/PP3P2/1KR3R1 w - - 2 30

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