Chess Puzzle #X1Veh — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d2; rooks c1/e1; bishop d5; knight e3; pawns a2/b3/e6/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d7; rooks b8/d8; bishops b7/h6; pawns a6/b5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe3 — bishop h6→e3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: exf7+ — pawn e6→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kf8 (king g8→f8).
3. Best move: Qxe3 — queen d2→e3, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, intermezzo, middlegame, short. The key move exf7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r1r2k1/1b1q1p1p/p3P1pb/1p1B4/8/1P2N2P/P2Q1PP1/2R1R1K1 b - - 0 29

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