Chess Puzzle #WWZ0c — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 2033 · Expert · equality, opening, short.

Position

White: king e1; queen d1; rooks a1/h1; bishop e3; knights d4/g5; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; queen d8; rooks a8/h8; bishops c8/g7; knight c6; pawns a7/b7/d5/e7/g6/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Nxc6 — knight d4→c6, captures knight. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: bxc6 — pawn b7→c6, captures knight. Opponent replies Qf3+ (queen d1→f3, gives check).
  3. Best move: Bf6 — bishop g7→f6.

Tactical themes

equality, opening, short. The key move bxc6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: r1bq1k1r/pp2p1bp/2n3p1/3p2N1/3N4/4B3/PPP2PPP/R2QK2R w KQ - 2 11

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