Chess Puzzle #MjtXj — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 2061 · Expert · advantage, endgame, interference, intermezzo, long.

Position

White: king c1; queen e3; rooks d1/h1; pawns b2/c2/e5/f2/h3. Black: king c8; queen a2; rook d8; bishop f8; pawns a7/b7/c5/d6/f7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: exd6 — pawn e5→d6, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qa1+ — queen a2→a1, gives check. Opponent replies Kd2 (king c1→d2).
  3. Best move: Rxd6+ — rook d8→d6, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Ke2 (king d2→e2).
  4. Best move: Qa6+ — queen a1→a6, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, interference, intermezzo, long. The key move Rxd6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2kr1b2/pp3p1p/3p4/2p1P3/8/4Q2P/qPP2P2/2KR3R w - - 2 22

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