Chess Puzzle #Q03Vb — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; rooks d2/g1; bishop b5; pawns a4/b3/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c5/e6; bishop d5; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: c6 — pawn c7→c6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b4 — pawn b3→b4. Opponent replies Rxb5 (rook c5→b5, captures bishop).
3. Best move: axb5 — pawn a4→b5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, short, trapped piece. The key move is b4.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/ppp2p1p/4r1p1/1Brb4/P4P2/1P4P1/1K1R3P/6R1 b - - 11 29

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