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

Position

White: king c1; queen c6; rooks d1/h1; pawns b2/b3/c4/d5/f4/g3/g5. Black: king h8; queen f5; rooks e7/e8; pawns a4/c5/d4/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: g6 — pawn g5→g6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Opponent replies Rxh7+ (rook h1→h7, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kg8 — king h8→g8. Opponent replies Rh2 (rook h7→h2).
4. Best move: Re1 — rook e7→e1. Opponent replies Qxe8+ (queen c6→e8, captures rook, gives check).
5. Best move: Rxe8 — rook e1→e8, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, very long. The key move axb3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/4r2p/2Q5/2pP1qP1/p1Pp1P2/1P4P1/1P6/2KR3R w - - 1 36

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