Chess Puzzle #wNwX8 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c4; bishop g3; pawns a6/b5/c3/d4/h2. Black: king a7; rook f7; pawns b6/c7/g4/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c6 — pawn c7→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b5→c6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Kxa6 (king a7→a6, captures pawn).
3. Best move: d5 — pawn d4→d5. Opponent replies b5+ (pawn b6→b5, gives check).
4. Best move: Kc5 — king c4→c5.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/k1p2r2/Pp6/1P5p/2KP2p1/2P3B1/7P/8 b - - 5 43

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