Chess Puzzle #4ok3f — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen a2; rook h1; bishops c4/f6; knight f3; pawns d4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king e8; queen c3; rooks b8/g8; bishop d7; pawns a6/e6/f7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb1 — rook h1→b1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxb1 — rook b8→b1, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxb1 (queen a2→b1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc4+ — queen c3→c4, captures bishop, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move Qxc4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r2k1r1/3b1p2/p3pB1p/8/2BP4/2q2N2/Q3KPPP/7R w - - 4 21

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