Chess Puzzle #SAN6E — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen h5; rook d5; pawns c7/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen a4; rook c8; pawns a6/b4/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc7 — rook c8→c7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Qf5+ — queen h5→f5, gives check. Opponent replies g6 (pawn g7→g6).
4. Best move: Qf6 — queen f5→f6.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 2r4k/2P3p1/p6p/3R3Q/qp6/7P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 0 32

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