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

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rook b3; bishops f3/h6; pawns f2/g2/h4. Black: king g8; queen d7; rook c8; bishop c3; knight a3; pawns a5/d5/e6/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qa4 — queen d7→a4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook b3→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxc3 (rook c8→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qe5 — queen e2→e5. Opponent replies Rc1+ (rook c3→c1, gives check).
4. Best move: Bxc1 — bishop h6→c1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame, sacrifice. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/3q1p2/4p1pB/p2p4/7P/nRb2B2/4QPP1/6K1 b - - 1 36

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