Chess Puzzle #ScK5Q — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen d3; rooks d1/h1; bishops d2/f1; knight f3; pawns a3/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/e8; bishops e6/e7; knight c6; pawns c7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb5 — queen d3→b5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxa3 — rook a8→a3, captures pawn. Opponent replies bxa3 (pawn b2→a3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bxa3+ — bishop e7→a3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb1 (king c1→b1).
4. Best move: Qa8 — queen d8→a8.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, long, opening, queenside attack, sacrifice. The key move Bxa3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r2qr1k1/2p1bppp/2n1b3/8/8/P2Q1N2/1PPB1PPP/2KR1B1R w - - 5 17

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