Chess Puzzle #1xjt0 — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f6; rooks d4/g1; pawns f3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d7; rook c8; knight c3; pawns a6/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb7 — queen d7→b7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d4→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd8+ — queen f6→d8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
4. Best move: Qd4+ — queen d8→d4, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Qxd8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/3q1p1p/p3pQp1/8/3R4/2n2P2/7P/6RK b - - 5 31

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