Chess Puzzle #NQANW — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; queen f4; rook a1; bishop d3; knights c3/e5; pawns b3/c2/d5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king e8; queen c8; rook h8; bishops d7/f6; knight h7; pawns b4/c7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe4 — queen f4→e4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxc3+ — pawn b4→c3, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king b2→b1).
3. Best move: Ng5 — knight h7→g5. Opponent replies Qe1 (queen e4→e1).
4. Best move: O-O — king e8→g8.

Tactical themes

advantage, castling, defensive move, long, middlegame. The key move bxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2q1k2r/2pb1ppn/5b1p/3PN3/1p3Q2/1PNB3P/1KP2PP1/R7 w k - 2 23

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