Chess Puzzle #b8u0B — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen b5; rook a1; bishops a3/c6; pawns a2/c2/c3/d2/f2. Black: king d8; queen h2; rooks e8/h8; knight f6; pawns a7/c7/d6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re5 — rook e8→e5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen b5→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d8→e7).
3. Best move: Qxc7+ — queen b8→c7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke6 (king e7→e6).
4. Best move: Bxd6 — bishop a3→d6, captures pawn.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, long, middlegame. The key move Qxc7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3kr2r/p1p2ppp/2Bp1n2/1Q6/8/B1P5/P1PP1P1q/R4K2 b - - 4 18

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