Chess Puzzle #gtOh2 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen a4; rook h1; bishop e3; pawns b2/c3/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; rooks a8/d8; bishops e6/e7; knight a2; pawns a7/c5/c7/f7/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxc3+ — knight a2→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b2→c3, captures knight. Opponent replies Rab8+ (rook a8→b8, gives check).
3. Best move: Ka1 — king b1→a1.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2r4/p1p1bppk/4b3/2p1P3/Q7/2P1B2P/nP3PP1/1K5R b - - 1 19

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