Chess puzzles for Friday, 26 February 2027
Three new puzzles every day: easy, medium and hard. Try each one before you open the solution.
Easy: Black to move and mate in 1
Black to move and mate in 1. The opponent just played 24. Rxe1.
Puzzle rating 921
Hint
Theme: mate in 1, pin, endgame tactic
Show solution
24... Rxe1#
FEN: 4r1k1/p1p2R1p/3p2n1/1P1P4/3q4/8/PP3QPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 24
Medium: Black to move and win
Black to move and win. The opponent just played 24. Qd3.
Puzzle rating 1860
Hint
Theme: hanging piece, endgame tactic
Show solution
24... Qxf4 25. Qc4+ Qxc4
FEN: 4r1k1/p5pp/1p3n2/8/1q3B2/3Q1P2/PP3P1P/2R3K1 b - - 6 24
Hard: Black to move and mate in 3
Black to move and mate in 3. The opponent just played 34. Rg8.
Puzzle rating 2236
Hint
Theme: mate in 3, Opera mate, fork
Show solution
34... Bd3+ 35. Kd1 Nf2+ 36. Kd2 Rc2#
FEN: 3kr1R1/2rp3P/8/p7/4n1Q1/7P/PPb5/2K1R3 b - - 3 34