Chess Puzzle #b3Gva — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; queen d5; rooks d1/h2; bishop d3; pawn c2. Black: king h7; queen b2; rooks a8/f4; bishop c3; pawns a7/b7/c7/d6/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re8+ — rook a8→e8, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxf4 — king e3→f4, captures rook. Opponent replies Qb4+ (queen b2→b4, gives check).
3. Best move: Bc4 — bishop d3→c4.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Kxf4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r7/ppp4k/3p2pp/3Q4/5r2/2bBK3/1qP4R/3R4 b - - 5 31

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