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

Position

White: king g1; queen c4; rook e1; pawns a2/b2/c2. Black: king c7; queen f4; rook g4; pawns b7/e4/f7/g3. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kd7 — king c7→d7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook e1→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king d7→e7).
3. Best move: Qc5+ — queen c4→c5, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king e7→f6).
4. Best move: Rf1 — rook d1→f1. Opponent replies Qxf1+ (queen f4→f1, captures rook, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxf1 — king g1→f1, captures queen. Opponent replies g2+ (pawn g3→g2, gives check).
6. Best move: Kg1 — king f1→g1.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, exposed king, pin, very long. The key move is Rd1+.

Position data

FEN: 8/1pk2p2/8/8/2Q1pqr1/6p1/PPP5/4R1K1 b - - 1 31

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