Chess Puzzle #vbt0y — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen g3; rooks a1/f1; bishops c1/d3; knights c3/f3; pawns a3/b2/e5/f2/g2. Black: king c8; queen b6; rooks d8/h8; bishops d7/e7; knight d4; pawns a6/b7/d5/e6/f5/g6/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be3 — bishop c1→e3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Nxf3+ — knight d4→f3, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Qxf3 (queen g3→f3, captures knight).
3. Best move: d4 — pawn d5→d4. Opponent replies Rac1 (rook a1→c1).
4. Best move: Kb8 — king c8→b8.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, fork, long, middlegame. The key move Nxf3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 2kr3r/1p1bb1p1/pq2p1p1/3pPp2/3n4/P1NB1NQ1/1P3PP1/R1B2RK1 w - - 0 16

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