Chess Puzzle #1cjsP — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d4; rook d1; knight f3; pawns a4/e3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d6; rook b3; knight d3; pawns c4/d5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb2 — rook b3→b2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd3 — rook d1→d3, captures knight. Opponent replies Rb1+ (rook b2→b1, gives check).
3. Best move: Rd1 — rook d3→d1. Opponent replies Rxd1+ (rook b1→d1, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: Qxd1 — queen d4→d1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Rxd3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p1p/3qp1p1/3p4/P1pQ4/1r1nPN1P/5PP1/3R2K1 b - - 2 33

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