puz2010 vs hikaru

Black played 22...bxc6, the pawn on b7 captured the white bishop on c6 and landed on c6. The capture removes White's active bishop that was eyeing the black king side and gives Black a clear material advantage (bishop for pawn). Immediately after the move the board shows Black up a piece, the black queen on h4 now attacks the vulnerable white pawn on h3 and the pawn on f2, while the newly placed pawn on c6 attacks the white pawn on b5 (if it existed) and supports a future ...c5 break. White’s remaining pieces (queen on e1, rook on d1, bishop on c1, knight on f1) are still cramped and several white pieces (a2 pawn, g1 king) are undefended.

The engine rates 22...bxc6 as the optimal move because it seizes the only hanging white bishop, converting a positional pressure into a tangible material gain. Any alternative (e.g., ...Qh3 or ...c5) would leave the bishop on c6 alive, allowing White to maintain the bishop pair and keep the pressure on Black's king. By capturing, Black not only wins a piece but also opens the c‑file for potential rook activity and keeps the queen’s threats on h3 and f2 alive. The move also does not create new weaknesses; the pawn on c6 is defended by the bishop on e5 and the queen on h4, whereas the engine‑suggested continuation 23.Rd2 merely consolidates White’s position after the loss, confirming that 22...bxc6 is the decisive, winning move.

Capture Hanging Pieces Immediately: When an opponent’s piece is undefended, take it right away, even if it means a pawn capture. Securing the material gain while preserving or creating new threats is the fastest way to convert an advantage.