Chess Puzzle #AzeQr — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks a1/f1; bishop d3; knight d5; pawns a2/c2/e4/f2/f4. Black: king c8; queen b2; rooks d8/h8; bishop d6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f6/f7/g4. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxg4+ — queen d1→g4, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kb8 — king c8→b8. Opponent replies Rfb1 (rook f1→b1).
3. Best move: Rdg8 — rook d8→g8. Opponent replies Rxb2 (rook b1→b2, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxg4+ — rook g8→g4, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kf1 (king g1→f1).
5. Best move: Rh1+ — rook h8→h1, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f1→e2).
6. Best move: Rxa1 — rook h1→a1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, middlegame, pin, skewer, very long. The key move Rxg4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2kr3r/ppp2p2/3b1p2/3N4/4PPp1/3B4/PqP2P2/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 16

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