Chess Puzzle #9IWbB — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; rooks d1/d8; knight c5; pawns a3/b4/c2/f3/g4. Black: king g7; queen c6; knight g6; pawns a6/b5/e5/f6/g5. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (6 moves)

1. Opponent setup: R1d7+ — rook d1→d7, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kh6 — king g7→h6. Opponent replies Rd3 (rook d7→d3).
3. Best move: Nf4 — knight g6→f4. Opponent replies R8d6 (rook d8→d6).
4. Best move: Qa8 — queen c6→a8. Opponent replies Rxf6+ (rook d6→f6, captures pawn, gives check).
5. Best move: Kg7 — king h6→g7. Opponent replies Rxa6 (rook f6→a6, captures pawn).
6. Best move: Qh8+ — queen a8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king h1→g1).
7. Best move: Nxd3 — knight f4→d3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, exposed king, pin, sacrifice, very long. The key move is Kh6.

Position data

FEN: 3R4/6k1/p1q2pn1/1pN1p1p1/1P4P1/P4P2/2P5/3R3K w - - 3 42

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