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

Position

White: king e1; queen c6; rook e3; knights d1/e5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g3. Black: king g8; queen h2; rook c8; bishop e6; pawns a7/d5/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qd6 — queen c6→d6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc2 — rook c8→c2, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qb8+ (queen d6→b8, gives check).
3. Best move: Bc8 — bishop e6→c8. Opponent replies Qxc8+ (queen b8→c8, captures bishop, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxc8 — rook c2→c8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move Rxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4pp1/2Q1b2p/3pN3/8/4R1P1/PPP2P1q/3NK3 w - - 1 25

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