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

Position

White: king f1; rook c7; knight d6; pawns a2/b2/c2/c4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; knight h5; pawns a6/b6/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nxf7 — knight d6→f7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rf8 — rook d8→f8. Opponent replies g4 (pawn g2→g4).
3. Best move: Ng7 — knight h5→g7. Opponent replies Ke2 (king f1→e2).
4. Best move: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures knight. Opponent replies Rc8+ (rook c7→c8, gives check).
5. Best move: Rf8 — rook f7→f8.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, quiet move, very long. The key move is Rf8.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/2R2p1p/pp1N2p1/7n/2P5/8/PPP3PP/5K2 w - - 2 26

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