Chess Puzzle #ThF9V — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f2; rook c8; bishop h2; knight f6; pawns e5/f5/g4/h3. Black: king g7; rook a2; bishop a5; knight h4; pawns f7/g5/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg1 — king f2→g1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nf3+ — knight h4→f3, gives check. Opponent replies Kf1 (king g1→f1).
3. Best move: Nxh2+ — knight f3→h2, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king f1→g1).
4. Best move: Nf3+ — knight h2→f3, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, deflection, endgame, exposed king, long. The key move Nxh2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2R5/5pkp/5N2/b3PPp1/6Pn/7P/r4K1B/8 w - - 8 42

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