Chess Puzzle #081HF — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king a1; queen b2; rook b1; pawns a2/d4/e3/f3. Black: king g8; queen c6; rook c3; pawns a6/d5/e6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe3 — rook c3→e3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen b2→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: Rb7+ — rook b1→b7, gives check. Opponent replies Qxb7 (queen c6→b7, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxb7+ — queen b8→b7, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Qxb7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/7p/p1q1p1p1/3p4/3P4/2r1PP2/PQ6/KR6 b - - 3 30

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