Chess Puzzle #MExTC — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rook e1; knights b1/b4; pawns a2/c4/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; rooks d8/f8; pawns a7/c5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Na6 — knight b4→a6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc8 — rook d8→c8. Opponent replies Nd2 (knight b1→d2).
3. Best move: Rc6 — rook c8→c6. Opponent replies Nxc5 (knight a6→c5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Rxc5 — rook c6→c5, captures knight.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, long, quiet move, trapped piece. The key move is Rc8.

Position data

FEN: 3r1r1k/p4ppp/8/2p5/1NP5/4P3/P4PPP/1N2RK2 w - - 0 29

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