Chess Puzzle #01Cq8 — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks c1/d1; knight d4; pawns a3/b2/c5/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; rooks a8/d8; bishop e4; pawns a6/b5/e5/f6/f7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nb3 — knight d4→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook d8→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bc2 — bishop e4→c2. Opponent replies Rd6 (rook d1→d6).
4. Best move: Bxb3 — bishop c2→b3, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long, master. The key move Rxd1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: r2r1k2/5p1p/p4p2/1pP1p3/3Nb3/P3P3/1P3PPP/2RR2K1 w - - 0 20

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.