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

Position

White: king e3; rook b6; knight e2; pawns a4/b4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king e5; rook b2; bishop d5; pawns c6/f5/g5/h4. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Bc4 — bishop d5→c4. Opponent replies f4+ (pawn f3→f4, gives check).
3. Best move: gxf4+ — pawn g5→f4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Nxf4 (knight e2→f4, captures pawn).
4. Best move: Rb3+ — rook b2→b3, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move gxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1Rp5/3bkpp1/PP5p/4KP1P/1r2N1P1/8 w - - 0 40

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