Chess Puzzle #VDv9P — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen b1; rooks a3/d1; bishop b4; knights c4/f3; pawns a2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king e8; queen d6; rooks a8/h8; bishop c8; knights c6/d3; pawns a6/b7/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rdxd3 — rook d1→d3, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxb4 — queen d6→b4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Nd6+ (knight c4→d6, gives check).
3. Best move: Kf8 — king e8→f8.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, short. The key move Qxb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r1b1k2r/1p3p1p/p1nqp1p1/8/1BN5/R2n1N2/P1P2KPP/1Q1R4 w kq - 0 23

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