Chess Puzzle #sZ1IS — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen b2; rook d2; pawns a5/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g7; queen c5; rook c3; pawns d3/f6/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a5→a6. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Rc2 — rook c3→c2. Opponent replies Rxc2 (rook d2→c2, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxc2 — queen c5→c2, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxc2 (queen b2→c2, captures queen).
4. Best move: dxc2 — pawn d3→c2, captures queen.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long. The key move is Rc2.

Position data

FEN: 8/6kp/5pp1/P1q5/4P3/2rp1P1P/1Q1R2P1/7K w - - 1 41

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