Chess Puzzle #2CTpU — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook d6; knight c4; pawns b3/e3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e8; pawns a6/b7/e6/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb5 — queen e8→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Nd6+ — knight c4→d6, gives check. Opponent replies Ke7 (king f7→e7).
4. Best move: Nxb5 — knight d6→b5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 4q1k1/1p4pp/p2Rpp2/8/2N5/1P2P2P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 28

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