Chess Puzzle #9WrIl — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; rook e1; bishops d2/d7; pawns c2/c3/f2/g3. Black: king h3; rooks b8/f6; bishop a2; pawns a5/d5/g4/h5. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb1 — rook b8→b1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb1 — rook e1→b1, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxb1 (bishop a2→b1, captures rook).
3. Best move: Bb5 — bishop d7→b5. Opponent replies Rxf2 (rook f6→f2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Kxf2 — king g1→f2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long, quiet move. The key move Rxb1 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/3B4/5r2/p2p3p/6p1/2P3Pk/b1PB1P2/4R1K1 b - - 4 36

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