Chess Puzzle #XsMd6 — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; queen b3; rook f7; pawns a2/b2/c3/g3/h2. Black: king b8; queen e4; rook e8; pawns b7/d6/g5/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a3 — pawn a2→a3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: h4 — pawn h5→h4. Opponent replies Qb5 (queen b3→b5).
3. Best move: g4+ — pawn g5→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh4 (king h3→h4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Rh8+ — rook e8→h8, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move is h4.

Position data

FEN: 1k2r3/1p3R2/3p4/6pp/4q3/1QP3PK/PP5P/8 w - - 0 32

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