Chess Puzzle #raLer — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen g4; rook h1; bishop b7; knight b1; pawns a3/b2/c2/d3/f2/f4/h3. Black: king d8; queen a1; rook e8; bishop a5; knight d7; pawns a4/c7/d4/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bc6 — bishop b7→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: f5 — pawn f7→f5. Opponent replies Qh4+ (queen g4→h4, gives check).
3. Best move: Re7 — rook e8→e7. Opponent replies Bxd7 (bishop c6→d7, captures knight).
4. Best move: Bc3 — bishop a5→c3. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b2→c3, captures bishop).
5. Best move: dxc3 — pawn d4→c3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Be6 (bishop d7→e6).
6. Best move: Qb2+ — queen a1→b2, gives check. Opponent replies Kd1 (king c1→d1).
7. Best move: Qxb1+ — queen b2→b1, captures knight, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, deflection, middlegame, queenside attack, sacrifice, very long. The key move Qxb1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3kr3/1Bpn1p1p/6p1/b7/p2p1PQ1/P2P3P/1PP2P2/qNK4R w - - 1 24

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