Chess Puzzle #98Blm — Master, Black to move, opening

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks e1/e6; bishop h4; knights c3/f3; pawns a2/b2/c2/d4/f2/g4/h3. Black: king f7; queen c7; rooks e8/f8; bishop d6; knights d7/e7; pawns a7/b7/c6/d5/f6/g6/g7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook e6→d6, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxd6 — queen c7→d6, captures rook. Opponent replies Bg3 (bishop h4→g3).
3. Best move: Nc8 — knight e7→c8. Opponent replies Qxe8+ (queen e2→e8, captures rook, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxe8 — rook f8→e8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

equality, hanging piece, long, middlegame, quiet move. The key move Qxd6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4rr2/ppqnnkp1/2pbRpp1/3p4/3P2PB/2N2N1P/PPP1QP2/4R1K1 w - - 0 17

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