Chess Puzzle #D59r4 — Expert, Black to move, opening

Position

White: king h1; queen h6; rooks a1/f1; bishops c2/e3; knights d2/g5; pawns a2/b2/c3/d4/e5/f2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/g7; bishops c8/e7; knights b8/g6; pawns a6/b5/c4/d5/f4/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxf4 — bishop e3→f4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxf4 — knight g6→f4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Bxh7+ (bishop c2→h7, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kf8 — king g8→f8.

Tactical themes

defensive move, equality, middlegame, short. The key move Nxf4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: rnbq2k1/4b1rp/p5nQ/1p1pP1N1/2pP1p2/2P1B2P/PPBN1P2/R4R1K w - - 0 23

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