Chess Puzzle #0Ps4Q — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rook c1; pawns a4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king b8; queen f5; rook g4; pawns a7/b7/c5/d6/f6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa4 — rook g4→a4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen f7→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Qc8 (queen f5→c8).
3. Best move: Qxa4 — queen e8→a4, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Qe8+.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/pp3Q1p/3p1p2/2p2q2/P5r1/6P1/5P1P/2R3K1 b - - 0 26

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