Chess Puzzle #IsUsj — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f3; rook b1; bishop e3; pawns b3/b5/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g7; rook d3; bishop d6; pawns a6/c6/e7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxb5 — pawn c6→b5, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke4 — king f3→e4. Opponent replies Rxe3+ (rook d3→e3, captures bishop, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxe3 — king e4→e3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, short. The key move is Ke4.

Position data

FEN: 8/4ppkp/p1pb2p1/1P6/5P2/1P1rBKP1/7P/1R6 b - - 0 27

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