Tactical Challenges

Chess Puzzle No. 301: Could one surprise check change everything here?

Posted on 27 October 2026 by Delphine D.

27
Oct

In a blitz 3+0 game from May 2022, following the King's Indian Attack: Wahls Defence, Black must respond to 31.Qxd3 on move 31. It's your turn to find the way forward.

TacticsIntermediateBlack to play

Black to play and win material

Puzzle: Lichess open database (CC0) · Pieces: Cburnett, Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)

See the solution explained

Qb6+ gives check to the white king, leaving the opponent with only nine legal replies.

After Kf1, the white king tucks itself onto the back rank.

Qxa7 captures the white rook, leaving White twenty-seven legal replies while recovering substantial material.

In the real game, the player found Qb6+, though White answered with Kg2 instead of Kf1; he still followed up with Qxa7 and eventually won on resignation. This sequence shows a fork in action: a check that opens the door to winning material.

Blitz chess with a 3+0 clock became popular alongside electronic clocks that count down to the second. If this fast pace appeals to you, a mechanical chess clock makes a fine training companion, as does a solid wood chess board to enjoy every move.

Delphine D.

Delphine D. is the lead writer of the editorial team at Le Palais des Échecs, a shop specialising since 2008 in wooden chess sets, chessboards and backgammon sets. Her guides draw on the shop's hands-on experience: more than 5,000 customers advised and a catalogue built around the woods that make beautiful sets. Pale, very fine-grained boxwood set against ebony or rosewood for the pieces; maple, walnut and mahogany for the boards; palisander, olive wood or burr wood for exceptional models. Choosing a set for a child, a wedding or retirement gift, comparing woods, having a board engraved: she helps every reader find the set that suits them. Find out more about Delphine D. and the editorial team - Facebook - Pinterest - Youtube