Chess Puzzle #SJxI5 — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e1; queen h3; rook f1; bishops d1/d2; knight e6; pawns a2/d5/e4/f3/h4. Black: king g8; queen d3; rook d6; bishops e3/h5; pawns a6/b5/e5/f4/g6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe3 — bishop d2→e3, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: fxe3 — pawn f4→e3, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rf2 (rook f1→f2).
3. Best move: exf2+ — pawn e3→f2, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf2 (king e1→f2, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Qxd1 — queen d3→d1, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, attack on f2/f7, exposed king, long, middlegame. The key move exf2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/8/p2rN1p1/1p1Pp2b/4Pp1P/3qbP1Q/P2B4/3BKR2 w - - 7 36

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