Chess Puzzle #b4lFT — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen h7; knight c5; pawns a2/b2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king d6; rooks a8/f8; bishop d7; pawns a6/b4/d4/g5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke2 — king f1→e2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rae8+ — rook a8→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne4+ (knight c5→e4, gives check).
3. Best move: Rxe4+ — rook e8→e4, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Qxe4 (queen h7→e4, captures rook).
4. Best move: Re8 — rook f8→e8.

Tactical themes

clearance, crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, pin, sacrifice. The key move Rxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r4r2/3b3Q/p2k4/2N3p1/1p1p4/8/PPP3PP/5K2 w - - 0 32

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