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

Position

White: king h1; queen c4; rooks a1/e1; bishops e3/f3; pawns a4/b2/c2/f2/g2. Black: king h8; queen c7; rooks f5/f8; bishop h2; knight b4; pawns a5/c5/e7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bd4+ — bishop e3→d4, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: cxd4 — pawn c5→d4, captures bishop. Opponent replies Qxc7 (queen c4→c7, captures queen).
3. Best move: Bxc7 — bishop h2→c7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move cxd4 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/2q1p2p/8/p1p2r2/PnQ5/4BB2/1PP2PPb/R3R2K w - - 0 24

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