Chess Puzzle #4SldA — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c3; rook c1; pawns d4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen a2; rook e8; pawns b5/d6/f5/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re2 — rook e8→e2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc8+ — queen c3→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qxf5+ — queen c8→f5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king h7→h8).
4. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Qxf5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/6p1/3p3p/1p3p2/3P4/2Q4P/q4PP1/2R3K1 b - - 0 29

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