Chess Puzzle #1IsZw — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rook d1; pawns a2/b2/c3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d6; rook e8; knight d5; pawns a6/b7/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxd5 — queen b3→d5, captures knight. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Re1+ — rook e8→e1, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe1 (rook d1→e1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd5 — queen d6→d5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, short. The key move is Re1+.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/1p3pp1/p2q3p/3n4/8/1QP4P/PP3PP1/3R2K1 w - - 0 36

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