Chess Puzzle #1VEM2 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b2; queen d4; rook d3; pawns a3/b4/d7/h3. Black: king h7; queen c6; rook d8; pawns b5/b7/f7/g6/h4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe6 — queen c6→e6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxh4+ — queen d4→h4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king h7→g7).
3. Best move: Qxd8 — queen h4→d8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move Qxh4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 3r4/1p1P1p1k/2q3p1/1p6/1P1Q3p/P2R3P/1K6/8 b - - 8 45

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