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

Position

White: king g1; rook d8; bishop f2; pawns a4/e5/h2. Black: king b7; bishops b3/b6; pawns a5/c3/c7/d3/h3. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (5 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb6 — bishop f2→b6, captures bishop. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: cxb6 — pawn c7→b6, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rd7+ (rook d8→d7, gives check).
3. Best move: Kc6 — king b7→c6. Opponent replies Rxd3 (rook d7→d3, captures pawn).
4. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2. Opponent replies Rc3+ (rook d3→c3, gives check).
5. Best move: Kd5 — king c6→d5. Opponent replies Kf2 (king g1→f2).
6. Best move: Kd4 — king d5→d4.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, master, very long. The key move cxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3R4/1kp5/1b6/p3P3/P7/1bpp3p/5B1P/6K1 w - - 0 41

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