Chess Puzzle #b5weA — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen d6; rook e1; knights c5/f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/d3/f5/g2/h2. Black: king d8; queen f7; rooks a8/e8; knights d7/f6; pawns a7/b7/c6/d5/g4/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b6 — pawn b7→b6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nb7+ — knight c5→b7, gives check. Opponent replies Kc8 (king d8→c8).
3. Best move: Qxc6+ — queen d6→c6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king c8→b8).
4. Best move: Nd6 — knight b7→d6.

Tactical themes

crushing, exposed king, long, middlegame. The key move Qxc6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r2kr3/pp1n1q2/2pQ1n1p/2Np1P2/6p1/3P4/PPP3PP/4RN1K b - - 9 22

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