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

Position

White: king g1; queen d4; rooks a1/f1; bishop c1; pawns a2/b2/c3/f3/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/e1; bishop g5; pawns a7/c6/c7/d5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be3+ — bishop g5→e3, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxe3 — bishop c1→e3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxa1 (rook e1→a1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxa1 — rook f1→a1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Bxe3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2q2k1/p1p3p1/2p4p/3p2b1/3Q4/2P2PP1/PP5P/R1B1rRK1 b - - 0 22

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