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

Rating 2416 · Master · equality, middlegame, short.

Position

White: king b1; rooks d1/e1; bishop a2; knights d6/h4; pawns a3/b2/d3/e4/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rooks b8/f7; bishop e6; knights d4/g3; pawns a5/c6/e5/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Bxa2+ — bishop e6→a2, captures bishop, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Kxa2 — king b1→a2, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rf2 (rook f7→f2).
  3. Best move: Nc4 — knight d6→c4.

Tactical themes

equality, middlegame, short. The key move Kxa2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1r5k/5rp1/2pNb2p/p3p3/3nP2N/P2P2nP/BP4P1/1K1RR3 b - - 0 26

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