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

Position

White: king g2; queen d5; rook a1; pawns a6/c4/g3/h4. Black: king h8; queen e1; rook e8; pawns c5/d2/g7/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa1 — queen e1→a1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxh5+ — queen d5→h5, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg8 (king h8→g8).
3. Best move: Qxe8+ — queen h5→e8, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, master, master vs master, short. The key move Qxh5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r2k/6p1/P7/2pQ3p/2P4P/6P1/3p2K1/R3q3 b - - 2 36

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