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

Position

White: king h2; queen h5; rook g2; bishop c4; pawns b3/c2/f5/h3. Black: king g8; queen e7; rook c6; bishop b6; pawns a5/b4/d3/e6/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxc2 — pawn d3→c2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook g2→c2, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rxc4 (rook c6→c4, captures bishop).
3. Best move: Rxc4 — rook c2→c4, captures rook. Opponent replies Qd6+ (queen e7→d6, gives check).
4. Best move: Kg2 — king h2→g2. Opponent replies Qd2+ (queen d6→d2, gives check).
5. Best move: Kg3 — king g2→g3. Opponent replies Qf2+ (queen d2→f2, gives check).
6. Best move: Kg4 — king g3→g4. Opponent replies Qg2+ (queen f2→g2, gives check).
7. Best move: Kf4 — king g4→f4.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, very long. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/4q1p1/1br1p3/p4P1Q/1pB5/1P1p3P/2P3RK/8 b - - 1 44

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