Chess Puzzle #pu0TE — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen d2; rooks d1/h1; knights c3/h4; pawns a2/b2/c2/d6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e8; queen c6; rooks c8/h8; knights b4/d5; pawns a7/b6/e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d7+ — pawn d6→d7, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxd7 — queen c6→d7, captures pawn. Opponent replies Nxd5 (knight c3→d5, captures knight).
3. Best move: Nxd5 — knight b4→d5, captures knight.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Qxd7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r1k2r/p4pp1/1pqPp2p/3n4/1n5N/2N5/PPPQ1PPP/2KR3R w k - 1 17

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