Chess Puzzle #Ilm7s — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen e2; rooks d4/h1; bishops e3/g2; pawns a2/b2/c2/c3/f2/g4/h3. Black: king c8; queen d7; rooks d8/h8; bishops f8/g6; pawns a7/b7/c7/d6/f5/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb7+ — bishop g2→b7, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Kxb7 — king c8→b7, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rb4+ (rook d4→b4, gives check).
3. Best move: Ka8 — king b7→a8. Opponent replies Bxa7 (bishop e3→a7, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Qc6 — queen d7→c6.

Tactical themes

advantage, hanging piece, long, middlegame. The key move Kxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2kr1b1r/pppq2pp/3p2b1/5p2/3R2P1/2P1B2P/PPP1QPB1/2K4R w - - 1 15

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