Chess Puzzle #vo4jp — Master, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen a4; rook a1; bishops b5/e3; pawns a3/b4/d5/f2. Black: king b8; queen c3; rook d8; bishop h8; pawns a7/b6/d6/e7/f6/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa1 — queen c3→a1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bxb6 — bishop e3→b6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qa2+ (queen a1→a2, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke3 — king e2→e3. Opponent replies axb6 (pawn a7→b6, captures bishop).
4. Best move: Bc6 — bishop b5→c6. Opponent replies Qb3+ (queen a2→b3, gives check).
5. Best move: Qxb3 — queen a4→b3, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, quiet move, sacrifice, very long. The key move Bxb6 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 1k1r3b/p3p3/1p1p1pp1/1B1P4/QP6/P1q1B3/4KP2/R7 b - - 2 25

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