Chess Puzzle #E25D8 — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rook f2; bishop c1; pawns a3/c3/d4/e5/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b1; rook b3; bishop c4; pawns a7/c6/c7/d5/f7/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh2 — king g1→h2. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook b3→c3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rb2 (rook f2→b2).
3. Best move: Qxc1 — queen b1→c1, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qxc1 (queen d1→c1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxc1 — rook c3→c1, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1p2pp1/2p5/3pP3/2bP4/PrP2P1P/5RP1/1qBQ2K1 w - - 1 25

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