Chess Puzzle #0XjQk — Beginner, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; queen e4; pawns a6/f2/g3/h3. Black: king d8; queen a7; pawns c5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb7 — queen e4→b7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxb7 — queen a7→b7, captures queen. Opponent replies axb7 (pawn a6→b7, captures queen).
3. Best move: Kc7 — king d8→c7. Opponent replies b8=R (pawn b7→b8, promotes to rook).
4. Best move: Kxb8 — king c7→b8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move Qxb7 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3k4/q5pp/P7/2p5/4Q3/6PP/5P1K/8 w - - 3 39

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