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

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks a1/f1; bishop f4; knight d6; pawns a3/b2/c2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king a6; queen f8; rooks a8/h8; knights b8/e7; pawns a7/b5/c6/d5/g6/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a4 — pawn a3→a4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf4 — queen f8→f4, captures bishop. Opponent replies axb5+ (pawn a4→b5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kb6 — king a6→b6. Opponent replies Qe3+ (queen e2→e3, gives check).
4. Best move: Qxe3 — queen f4→e3, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame. The key move Qxf4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: rn3q1r/p3n1p1/k1pN2p1/1p1p4/5B2/P1P5/1PP1QPPP/R4RK1 w - - 0 18

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