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

Position

White: king h2; queen e6; rook g3; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2. Black: king e8; rooks d7/f7; bishops c6/e7; pawns a6/b7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd5 — bishop c6→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rg8+ — rook g3→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook g8→f8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf8 (king e8→f8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxd7 — queen e6→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, exposed king, long, pin. The key move Rxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/1p1rbr1p/p1b1Q3/8/8/6R1/PP3PPK/8 b - - 4 35

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