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

Position

White: king d2; queen e5; rook b2; knight e4; pawns e3/f2/g5/h4. Black: king g8; queen c4; rook d8; bishop a6; pawns a7/b3/d3/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc2+ — queen c4→c2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook b2→c2, captures queen. Opponent replies dxc2+ (pawn d3→c2, captures rook, gives check).
3. Best move: Nd6 — knight e4→d6.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, short. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p4pp1/b3p2p/4Q1P1/2q1N2P/1p1pP3/1R1K1P2/8 b - - 0 34

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