Chess Puzzle #hPOnq — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rook d6; knight b2; pawns a4/b4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g7; queen d7; rook c8; pawns a7/c3/e6/f7/g6/h6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: cxb2 — pawn c3→b2, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd7 — rook d6→d7, captures queen. Opponent replies Rc1 (rook c8→c1).
3. Best move: Kg2 — king g1→g2. Opponent replies Rxd1 (rook c1→d1, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxd1 — rook d7→d1, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, hanging piece, long. The key move Rxd7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/p2q1pk1/3Rp1pp/8/PP6/2p3P1/1N3P1P/3Q2K1 b - - 0 28

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