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

Rating 1414 · Intermediate · advantage, capturing the defender, endgame, long.

Position

White: king b2; rooks a5/d1; bishop e4; pawns a3/e5/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c3/c8; bishop e6; pawns b6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ra8 — rook a5→a8. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rb3+ — rook c3→b3, gives check. Opponent replies Ka1 (king b2→a1).
  3. Best move: Rxa8 — rook c8→a8, captures rook. Opponent replies Bxa8 (bishop e4→a8, captures rook).
  4. Best move: Rxa3+ — rook b3→a3, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, capturing the defender, endgame, long. The key move Rxa3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5ppp/1p2b3/R3P3/4B3/P1r5/1K3PPP/3R4 w - - 0 30

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.