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

Position

White: king e1; rooks d1/h1; bishop e4; knight f3; pawns a2/b2/c3/e3/f2/h2/h5. Black: king e8; rooks a8/h8; bishop g4; knight c6; pawns a7/b7/c7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxc6+ — bishop e4→c6, captures knight, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b7→c6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Ne5 (knight f3→e5).
3. Best move: Bxd1 — bishop g4→d1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r3k2r/ppp3pp/2n5/7P/4B1b1/2P1PN2/PP3P1P/3RK2R w Kkq - 1 16

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