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

Position

White: king h1; queen a1; rook a4; pawns c3/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b6; rook d5; pawns e6/f7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb3 — queen b6→b3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a4→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: c4+ — pawn c3→c4, gives check. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e6→e5).
4. Best move: cxd5 — pawn c4→d5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, discovered attack, endgame, interference, long, pin. The key move is Ra8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p1p/1q2p1p1/3r4/R7/2P2P1P/6P1/Q6K b - - 3 38

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