Chess Puzzle #2DBcj — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen b6; pawns a3/b4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; rook d8; knights c8/e6; pawns f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc6 — queen b6→c6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rd1+ — rook d8→d1, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f1→e2).
3. Best move: Nd4+ — knight e6→d4, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd1 (king e2→d1, captures rook).
4. Best move: Nxc6 — knight d4→c6, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rd1+.

Position data

FEN: 2nr2k1/5pp1/1Q2n2p/8/1P6/P6P/5PP1/5K2 w - - 1 36

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