Chess Puzzle #Hj1vn — Intermediate, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; queen d6; rook a1; bishop c4; pawns b2/b4/e4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen d8; rook b8; bishops d7/g7; pawns e5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb6+ — queen d8→b6, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb6 — queen d6→b6, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxb6 (rook b8→b6, captures queen).
3. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Bf8 (bishop g7→f8).
4. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook a8→f8, captures bishop, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, long, middlegame. The key move Rxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r1q3k/3b2bp/3Q2p1/4p3/1PB1P3/8/1P3KPP/R7 b - - 0 25

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