Chess Puzzle #sXYeQ — Master, White to move, endgame

Rating 2766 · Master · crushing, defensive move, endgame, hanging piece, long, master.

Position

White: king f3; bishop e5; pawns c3/c7/e4. Black: king g6; queen d2; knight c4; pawns b5/g7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Qxc3+ — queen d2→c3, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Bxc3 — bishop e5→c3, captures queen. Opponent replies Nb6 (knight c4→b6).
  3. Best move: Ke3 — king f3→e3. Opponent replies Nc8 (knight b6→c8).
  4. Best move: Kd4 — king e3→d4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, hanging piece, long, master. The key move Bxc3 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/2P3p1/6k1/1p2B3/2n1P3/2P2K2/3q4/8 b - - 4 65

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