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

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks a1/d1; knight c3; pawns b2/b3/c2/f3/h6. Black: king h8; queen h3; rooks d8/f6; pawns a6/b7/d5/e4/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5 — rook d1→d5, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rxd5 — rook d8→d5, captures rook. Opponent replies Nxd5 (knight c3→d5, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf3 — rook f6→f3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qh2 (queen e2→h2).
4. Best move: Qg4+ — queen h3→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Qg2 (queen h2→g2).
5. Best move: Rg3 — rook f3→g3.

Tactical themes

advantage, exposed king, middlegame, pin, very long. The key move Rxd5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3r3k/1p5p/p4rpP/3p4/4p3/1PN2P1q/1PP1Q3/R2R2K1 w - - 0 27

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