Chess Puzzle #8dMlt — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks c1/e1; knights f3/g5; pawns a2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d7; rooks b8/c8; bishops b7/g7; pawns a7/d5/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc3 — bishop g7→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook c1→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rxc3 (rook c8→c3, captures rook).
3. Best move: Ne5 — knight f3→e5.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, sacrifice, short. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1rr3k1/pb1qppbp/6p1/3p2N1/8/2P2N2/P4PPP/2RQR1K1 b - - 1 19

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