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

Position

White: king g1; queen h5; rook f1; knight g4; pawns a2/c3/e4/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen e6; rook a8; bishop b2; pawns a7/b5/c6/d6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc3 — bishop b2→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Nxh6 — knight g4→h6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qxh6 (queen e6→h6, captures knight).
3. Best move: Rf7+ — rook f1→f7, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king g7→g8).
4. Best move: Qxh6 — queen h5→h6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, long, sacrifice. The key move Nxh6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r7/p5k1/2ppq2p/1p4pQ/4P1N1/2P5/Pb4PP/5RK1 b - - 5 26

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