Chess Puzzle #1hV2l — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen b7; rooks d1/e1; bishop c7; knight b5; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c8; rooks a8/f5; bishop g5; knight c4; pawns a7/c5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Bxd8 — bishop g5→d8, captures rook. Opponent replies Re8+ (rook e1→e8, gives check).
3. Best move: Kf7 — king g8→f7. Opponent replies Qxc8 (queen b7→c8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxc8 — rook a8→c8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move Bxd8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r1q3k1/pQB3pp/8/1Np2rb1/2n5/8/PP3PPP/1K1RR3 w - - 2 22

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