Chess Puzzle #VQzEO — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2269 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, sacrifice.

Position

White: king g6; bishop c3; knight b5; pawns b2/g5. Black: king f8; rook h3; pawn h4. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nc7 — knight b5→c7. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Rxc3 — rook h3→c3, captures bishop. Opponent replies bxc3 (pawn b2→c3, captures rook).
  3. Best move: h3 — pawn h4→h3. Opponent replies Ne6+ (knight c7→e6, gives check).
  4. Best move: Kg8 — king f8→g8.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, sacrifice. The key move Rxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/8/6K1/1N4P1/7p/2B4r/1P6/8 w - - 0 55

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.