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

Position

White: king g1; queen e5; rooks d1/e3; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king d7; queen e7; rooks c8/h7; pawns a6/b6/d5/e6/g4/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd5+ — rook d1→d5, captures pawn, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: exd5 — pawn e6→d5, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxd5+ (queen e5→d5, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Qd6 — queen e7→d6. Opponent replies Qf5+ (queen d5→f5, gives check).
4. Best move: Kd8 — king d7→d8. Opponent replies Re8+ (rook e3→e8, gives check).
5. Best move: Kxe8 — king d8→e8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, very long. The key move exd5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/3kq2r/pp2p3/3pQ2p/6p1/4R3/PP3PPP/3R2K1 w - - 2 28

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