Chess Puzzle #dJC4t — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; queen g3; rook h7; bishop h6; pawns a2/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen c6; rook d8; pawns a7/b7/c3/f6/g6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kc1 — king d2→c1. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc4 — queen c6→c4. Opponent replies Qc7+ (queen g3→c7, gives check).
3. Best move: Qxc7 — queen c4→c7, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxc7+ (rook h7→c7, captures queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxc7 — king c8→c7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long. The key move is Qc4.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/pp5R/2q2ppB/8/8/2p3Q1/P1PK1PPP/8 w - - 0 26

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