Chess Puzzle #2P6nN — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen g4; knight d4; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen e7; rook e2; pawns a6/b5/f4/g5/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf2 — rook e2→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc8+ — queen g4→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h8→g7).
3. Best move: Nf5+ — knight d4→f5, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move is Qc8+.

Position data

FEN: 7k/4q2p/p7/1p4p1/3N1pQ1/P6P/1P2rPPK/8 b - - 0 39

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