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

Position

White: king e2; queen c2; rooks a1/h1; bishop b2; pawns a2/b4/c5/e4/g2. Black: king g8; queen f4; rook e8; knight d7; pawns a7/b7/d4/d5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qd2 — queen c2→d2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxe4+ — rook e8→e4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kd1 (king e2→d1).
3. Best move: Qg4+ — queen f4→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kc1 (king d1→c1).
4. Best move: Ne5 — knight d7→e5.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, exposed king, long, middlegame. The key move Rxe4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/pp1n1p1p/6p1/2Pp4/1P1pPq2/8/PBQ1K1P1/R6R w - - 3 23

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