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

Rating 1588 · Intermediate · equality, opening, short.

Position

White: king g1; queen e3; rooks a1/d1; bishops c1/e2; knight c3; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/h2. Black: king b8; queen e8; rooks d8/g8; bishop e7; knight f6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nb5 — knight c3→b5. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxd1+ — rook d8→d1, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxd1 (bishop e2→d1, captures rook).
  3. Best move: Qxb5 — queen e8→b5, captures knight.

Tactical themes

equality, opening, short. The key move Rxd1+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1k1rq1r1/ppp1bppp/5n2/8/8/2N1Q3/PPP1BP1P/R1BR2K1 w - - 5 18

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

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