Chess Puzzle #0Lqhq — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e3; rooks c3/f1; pawns a2/c2/g2/h2. Black: king g7; queen f7; rooks d8/e8; pawns a7/b6/e4/f6/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa2 — queen f7→a2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc7+ — rook c3→c7, gives check. Opponent replies Qf7 (queen a2→f7).
3. Best move: Rxf7+ — rook c7→f7, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, short. The key move Rxf7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3rr3/p4qk1/1p3pp1/7p/4p3/2R1Q3/P1P3PP/5R1K b - - 4 33

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