Chess Puzzle #b7Qo3 — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e3; bishop c3; pawns a4/c4/d4/g2/h3. Black: king f5; knight b4; pawns a5/b6/e4/g6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb4 — bishop c3→b4, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: axb4 — pawn a5→b4, captures bishop. Opponent replies g4+ (pawn g2→g4, gives check).
3. Best move: hxg4 — pawn h5→g4, captures pawn. Opponent replies hxg4+ (pawn h3→g4, captures pawn, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxg4 — king f5→g4, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxe4 (king e3→e4, captures pawn).
5. Best move: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Opponent replies Kd3 (king e4→d3).
6. Best move: Kf4 — king g4→f4. Opponent replies c5 (pawn c4→c5).
7. Best move: bxc5 — pawn b6→c5, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, very long. The key move axb4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1p4p1/p4k1p/PnPPp3/2B1K2P/6P1/8 w - - 1 38

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