Chess Puzzle #NKNd2 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen c2; rook e1; bishop g2; pawns a3/b2/c3/e6/f5/h3. Black: king c8; queen f4; rook f8; bishop h5; pawns a5/b7/c6/d5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf5 — rook f8→f5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf1 — rook e1→f1. Opponent replies Qxf1+ (queen f4→f1, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Bxf1 — bishop g2→f1, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxf1+ (rook f5→f1, captures bishop, gives check).
4. Best move: Ka2 — king b1→a2.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is Rf1.

Position data

FEN: 2k2r2/1p4p1/2p1P2p/p2p1P1b/5q2/P1P4P/1PQ3B1/1K2R3 b - - 4 31

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