Chess Puzzle #2G01j — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c4; rook e1; knights c5/f3; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b5; rook b8; bishop g4; knight g6; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf3 — bishop g4→f3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb5 — queen c4→b5, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxb5 (rook b8→b5, captures queen).
3. Best move: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Nf8 (knight g6→f8).
4. Best move: Nd7 — knight c5→d7.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame, pin. The key move Qxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/p4ppp/6n1/1qN5/2Q3b1/1P3N2/P4PPP/4R1K1 b - - 4 22

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