Chess Puzzle #iaaIB — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen b2; rook a1; bishops e3/g4; pawns a4/f2/g5. Black: king g8; queen h4; rook d8; bishop e7; pawns c5/e5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf3 — bishop g4→f3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: e4 — pawn e5→e4. Opponent replies Bxe4 (bishop f3→e4, captures pawn).
3. Best move: Qxe4 — queen h4→e4, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

advantage, middlegame, short. The key move is e4.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/4bppp/8/2p1p1P1/P5Bq/4B3/1Q2KP2/R7 w - - 0 24

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