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

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rook d2; pawns f2/g3/h4. Black: king g8; rooks c5/d7; knight d5; pawns b4/f7/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: Qxd7 — queen e8→d7, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, master, short. The key move is Qe8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/3r1p2/6p1/2rn3p/1p2Q2P/6P1/3R1P2/6K1 b - - 9 37

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