Chess Puzzle #4Ih0C — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; queen d3; rooks a1/e1; bishops c2/e3; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/g2. Black: king g8; queen g3; rook e4; bishops d6/d7; pawns a7/b7/c6/d5/g4/g7/h6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe2 — queen d3→e2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxe3 — rook e4→e3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qxe3 (queen e2→e3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bf4 — bishop d6→f4. Opponent replies Qxf4 (queen e3→f4, captures bishop).
4. Best move: Qxf4+ — queen g3→f4, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, long, middlegame, pin, sacrifice. The key move Qxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pp1b2p1/2pb3p/3p4/3Pr1p1/2PQB1q1/PPBK2P1/R3R3 w - - 7 23

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