Chess Puzzle #1Zuc0 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c8; rook d1; knights f3/f7; pawns g3/h2. Black: king h7; queen a2; rook f2; knight f6; pawns a7/d3/d5/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf3 — rook f2→f3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qh8+ — queen c8→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg6 (king h7→g6).
3. Best move: Ne5+ — knight f7→e5, gives check. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g6→f5).
4. Best move: Nxf3 — knight e5→f3, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Qh8+.

Position data

FEN: 2Q5/p4Npk/5n1p/3p4/8/3p1NP1/q4r1P/3R2K1 b - - 7 30

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