Chess Puzzle #xg5A9 — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d6; rook b1; pawns b6/c6/f4/g3/h2. Black: king f8; rook a4; bishop a8; pawns d3/e4/f5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: e3 — pawn e4→e3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b7 — pawn b6→b7. Opponent replies Bxb7 (bishop a8→b7, captures pawn).
3. Best move: cxb7 — pawn c6→b7, captures bishop. Opponent replies Rd4+ (rook a4→d4, gives check).
4. Best move: Kc7 — king d6→c7.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, trapped piece. The key move is b7.

Position data

FEN: b4k2/7p/1PPK2p1/5p2/r3pP2/3p2P1/7P/1R6 b - - 0 42

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