Chess Puzzle #b73hf — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rook c5; bishop f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g3/h2. Black: king c8; queen d1; rook d8; pawns a7/b7/c6/e6/f7/g4/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxh7 — queen e4→h7, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qe1 — queen d1→e1. Opponent replies Rc3 (rook c5→c3).
3. Best move: Rd1 — rook d8→d1. Opponent replies Qg8+ (queen h7→g8, gives check).
4. Best move: Kc7 — king c8→c7.

Tactical themes

clearance, defensive move, endgame, equality, long, quiet move. The key move is Qe1.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/pp3p1p/2p1p3/2R5/4Q1p1/6P1/PPP2P1P/3q1BK1 w - - 1 26

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