Chess Puzzle #9h3nP — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c1; rook e7; pawns c4/e4/f3/g2/g4. Black: king g8; queen d3; rook f8; pawns a6/c5/d6/f6/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb8 — rook f8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qh6 — queen c1→h6. Opponent replies Qd4+ (queen d3→d4, gives check).
3. Best move: Kh2 — king g1→h2. Opponent replies Qe5+ (queen d4→e5, gives check).
4. Best move: Rxe5 — rook e7→e5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move is Qh6.

Position data

FEN: 5rk1/4R2p/p2p1pp1/2p5/2P1P1P1/3q1P2/6P1/2Q3K1 b - - 1 23

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