Chess Puzzle #1Qh31 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; queen d2; rooks b1/b3; pawns e5/f4/g5/h4. Black: king g8; queen c5; rooks b8/c4; pawns b4/d5/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc3+ — rook c4→c3, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook b3→c3, captures rook. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b4→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxb8+ — rook b1→b8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, discovered attack, endgame, short. The key move Rxb8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/5pp1/4p2p/2qpP1P1/1pr2P1P/1R5K/3Q4/1R6 b - - 0 33

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