Chess Puzzle #IZDm0 — Expert, White to move, opening

Position

White: king c1; queen d2; rooks d1/h1; bishop e3; knights a1/c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/e4/f3/g5/h5. Black: king g8; queen a5; rooks b8/f8; bishops e6/e7; knight f6; pawns a6/c4/d6/e5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb2 — rook b8→b2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxb2 — king c1→b2, captures rook. Opponent replies Rb8+ (rook f8→b8, gives check).
3. Best move: Nb3 — knight a1→b3.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, middlegame, short. The key move Kxb2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r3rk1/4bppp/p2pbn2/q3p1PP/2p1P3/2N1BP2/PPPQ4/N1KR3R b - - 0 17

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