Chess Puzzle #37DVz — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rooks d1/d6; bishops b3/e3; pawns a4/c4/e4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; rooks d8/e8; bishop e6; knight d7; pawns a5/b4/c5/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc5 — bishop e3→c5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxc5 — knight d7→c5, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook d6→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8 — rook e8→d8, captures rook. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook d1→d8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Nxb3 — knight c5→b3, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, middlegame. The key move Nxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3rr3/3n1ppk/3Rb2p/p1p5/PpP1P3/1B2B2P/5PP1/3R2K1 w - - 6 25

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