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

Position

White: king d2; rook h5; pawns a6/b2/e4/f3/g2. Black: king f7; rook c8; pawns a7/b4/c4/d3/g7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb5 — rook h5→b5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: c3+ — pawn c4→c3, gives check. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b2→c3, captures pawn).
3. Best move: bxc3+ — pawn b4→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd3 (king d2→d3, captures pawn).
4. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, exposed king, long, rook endgame. The key move bxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/p4kp1/P7/7R/1pp1P3/3p1P2/1P1K2P1/8 w - - 0 35

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