Chess Puzzle #354oE — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; bishop b4; pawns b5/d6/e6/f4/g3. Black: king e8; bishop b8; pawns b6/c4/d4/f5/g4. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd6 — bishop b8→d6, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxd6 — bishop b4→d6, captures bishop. Opponent replies c3 (pawn c4→c3).
3. Best move: Bb4 — bishop d6→b4. Opponent replies c2 (pawn c3→c2).
4. Best move: Ba3 — bishop b4→a3. Opponent replies c1=Q (pawn c2→c1, promotes to queen).
5. Best move: Bxc1 — bishop a3→c1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

bishop endgame, crushing, endgame, hanging piece, master, quiet move, very long. The key move Bxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1b2k3/8/1p1PP3/1P3p2/1Bpp1Pp1/6P1/7K/8 b - - 0 41

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