Chess Puzzle #Ri2x5 — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f4; rooks a1/c1; pawns a2/d5/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d4; rooks c2/c8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h3 — pawn h2→h3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: g5 — pawn g7→g5. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook c1→c2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxa1+ — queen d4→a1, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Qxa1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4pp1/7p/3P4/3qPQ2/5P2/P1r3PP/R1R4K w - - 4 26

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