Chess Puzzle #0qNsX — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 1168 · Beginner · crushing, endgame, long.

Position

White: king d4; rook c2; pawns a4/b3/e5/f4/g5/h4. Black: king b6; bishop b4; pawns a5/c3/d5/e6/f7/g6/h5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc3 — rook c2→c3, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Bxc3+ — bishop b4→c3, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc3 (king d4→c3, captures bishop).
  3. Best move: Kc5 — king b6→c5. Opponent replies b4+ (pawn b3→b4, gives check).
  4. Best move: axb4+ — pawn a5→b4, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Bxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/5p2/1k2p1p1/p2pP1Pp/Pb1K1P1P/1Pp5/2R5/8 w - - 2 41

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.