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

Position

White: king g1; queen b4; rooks c1/c4; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen f4; rooks d4/d8; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g3 — pawn g2→g3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc1+ — queen f4→c1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc1 (rook c4→c1, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxb4 — rook d4→b4, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move Qxc1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p4pp1/4p2p/8/1QRr1q2/1P5P/P4PP1/2R3K1 w - - 0 25

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