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

Position

White: king h1; queen h5; rook d1; pawns b3/e5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b4; rook e6; pawns f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb3 — queen b4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qxf7 — queen h5→f7, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qb1+ (queen b3→b1, gives check).
4. Best move: Kh2 — king h1→h2.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, deflection, endgame, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/4r2p/4P2Q/1q6/1P5P/6P1/3R3K b - - 0 33

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