Chess Puzzle #0BGXb — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; queen g7; rooks a1/h1; pawns c3/e3/f4/g3/h5. Black: king d6; queen c6; rooks d8/f6; pawns b7/c7/d4/e6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf6 — queen g7→f6, captures rook. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc3+ — queen c6→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king d2→e2).
3. Best move: d3+ — pawn d4→d3, gives check. Opponent replies Kf3 (king e2→f3).
4. Best move: Qxf6 — queen c3→f6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, discovered attack, endgame, long. The key move Qxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/1pp3Q1/2qkpr2/7P/3p1P2/2P1P1P1/3K4/R6R w - - 2 38

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