Chess Puzzle #3D5DA — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen b3; rook d1; pawns a4/c3/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen c5; rook c6; pawns a5/b6/e5/f6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: h6 — pawn h7→h6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Qg8+ — queen b3→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king h7→g6).
4. Best move: Qe8+ — queen g8→e8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 7k/6pp/1pr2p2/p1q1p3/P3P3/1QP2P2/6PP/3R1K2 b - - 0 31

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