Chess Puzzle #72k6c — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king a5; queen a7; bishop a6; pawns a3/c5/h3. Black: king c8; queen b1; bishop b7; pawns g7/h4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb7+ — bishop a6→b7, captures bishop, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxb7 — queen b1→b7, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qxb7+ (queen a7→b7, captures queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxb7 — king c8→b7, captures queen. Opponent replies Kb5 (king a5→b5).
4. Best move: g5 — pawn g7→g5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move Qxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2k5/Qb4p1/B7/K1P5/7p/P6P/8/1q6 w - - 0 54

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