Chess Puzzle #XBLya — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks g3/h4; bishops e4/f4; pawns e5/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen a6; rooks c8/g8; bishop d1; pawns b6/c4/c6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 9 points of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c3 — pawn c4→c3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxh6 — bishop f4→h6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Bh5 (bishop d1→h5).
3. Best move: Rxh5 — rook h4→h5, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qf1+ (queen a6→f1, gives check).
4. Best move: Kh2 — king h1→h2. Opponent replies g6 (pawn g7→g6).
5. Best move: Rh4 — rook h5→h4.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, very long. The key move Bxh6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3rk/5pp1/qpp4p/4P3/2p1BB1R/6RP/6P1/3b3K b - - 16 42

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