Chess Puzzle #0ECTq — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen e6; bishop g3; pawns b2/c3/d5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d1; bishop g7; knight c4; pawns c5/d6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e6→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king h8→h7).
3. Best move: Qe4+ — queen e8→e4, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king h7→g8).
4. Best move: Qxc4 — queen e4→c4, captures knight.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, exposed king, fork, long, master. The key move is Qe8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/6b1/3pQ2p/2pP4/2n5/2P3BP/1P4PK/3q4 b - - 2 34

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