Chess Puzzle #pSrws — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rooks e1/e5; knights c3/f4; pawns a2/b2/c2/d4/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen d7; rooks e8/g7; bishop c6; knight e7; pawns a6/b7/d5/f6/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ncxd5 — knight c3→d5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: fxe5 — pawn f6→e5, captures rook. Opponent replies Nb6+ (knight d5→b6, gives check).
3. Best move: Kd8 — king c8→d8. Opponent replies Nxd7 (knight b6→d7, captures queen).
4. Best move: Bxf3 — bishop c6→f3, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move fxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2k1r3/1p1qn1rp/p1b2pp1/3pR3/3P1N2/2N2Q2/PPP3PP/4R1K1 w - - 0 23

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