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

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; pawns f2/f6/g2/h4. Black: king e8; rook b2; bishops d6/e6; pawns c4/d4/f7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d3 — pawn d4→d3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc6+ — queen e4→c6, gives check. Opponent replies Kd8 (king e8→d8).
3. Best move: Qxd6+ — queen c6→d6, captures bishop, gives check.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, fork, short. The key move Qxd6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4k3/5p2/3bbP2/8/2ppQ2P/8/1r3PP1/6K1 b - - 1 35

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