Chess Puzzle #n3sQO — Advanced, Black to move, middlegame

Rating 1888 · Advanced · equality, long, middlegame.

Position

White: king e2; rook d7; bishops a3/b5; knights b3/d8; pawns e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king c8; rooks c7/h8; bishop b6; knight e8; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Rxc7+ — rook d7→c7, captures rook, gives check. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Nxc7 — knight e8→c7, captures rook. Opponent replies Nxf7 (knight d8→f7, captures pawn).
  3. Best move: Nxb5 — knight c7→b5, captures bishop. Opponent replies Nxh8 (knight f7→h8, captures rook).
  4. Best move: Nxa3 — knight b5→a3, captures bishop.

Tactical themes

equality, long, middlegame. The key move Nxc7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 2kNn2r/p1rR1ppp/1b2p3/1B6/4P3/BN3P2/4K1PP/8 w - - 26 28

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.