Chess Puzzle #CKvqf — Advanced, Black to move, opening

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks a1/f1; bishops d3/h4; knights c3/f3; pawns a2/b2/c4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/f8; bishops b7/e7; knights b8/e4; pawns a7/b6/d7/e6/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe7 — bishop h4→e7, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxc3 — knight e4→c3, captures knight. Opponent replies Bh7+ (bishop d3→h7, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxh7 — king g8→h7, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

equality, opening, short. The key move Nxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: rn1q1rk1/pb1pbpp1/1p2p2p/8/2P1n2B/2NB1N1P/PP3PP1/R2Q1RK1 w - - 0 12

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