Chess Puzzle #daeXB — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks a1/b1; knight c2; pawns a2/b4/c4/d3/f3/g4/h3. Black: king g8; queen c3; rook e8; bishop f4; knight c6; pawns a7/c7/e3/f7/g6/g7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rb3 — rook b1→b3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nd4 — knight c6→d4. Opponent replies Rxc3 (rook b3→c3, captures queen).
3. Best move: Nxe2+ — knight d4→e2, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kg2 (king g1→g2).
4. Best move: Nxc3 — knight e2→c3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, exposed king, fork, long, middlegame. The key move Nxe2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p1p2pp1/2n3p1/8/1PP2bP1/2qPpP1P/P1N1Q3/RR4K1 w - - 7 25

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