Chess Puzzle #HU9Fj — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks a1/f1; bishops c4/e5; pawns a2/b2/c2/d4/g4/h3. Black: king g8; queen d8; rooks a8/f8; bishops e7/f3; knight c6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf3 — queen e2→f3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxe5 — knight c6→e5, captures bishop. Opponent replies dxe5 (pawn d4→e5, captures knight).
3. Best move: Qd4+ — queen d8→d4, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king g1→g2).
4. Best move: Qxc4 — queen d4→c4, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, exposed king, fork, long, middlegame. The key move Nxe5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r2q1rk1/ppp1bppp/2n5/4B3/2BP2P1/5b1P/PPP1Q3/R4RK1 w - - 0 15

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