Chess Puzzle #4D5QX — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks a1/h5; bishop e3; pawns a2/b2/c2/d3/g3/g7/h2. Black: king g8; queen b7; rooks a8/f6; knight d8; pawns a7/b6/c5/d7/e5/f7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxh7 — rook h5→h7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kxh7 — king g8→h7, captures rook. Opponent replies Qh5+ (queen d1→h5, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxg7 — king h7→g7, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qxe5 (queen h5→e5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Qf3 — queen b7→f3.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, middlegame. The key move Kxh7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2n2k1/pq1p1pPp/1p3r2/2p1p2R/8/3PB1P1/PPP4P/R2Q2K1 w - - 0 23

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