Chess Puzzle #1fXaU — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d1; queen c2; pawns a2/h3. Black: king h7; queen g2; pawns b4/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc2+ — queen g2→c2, captures queen, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxc2 — king d1→c2, captures queen. Opponent replies Kg6 (king h7→g6).
3. Best move: Kb3 — king c2→b3.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Kxc2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/6pk/8/8/1p6/7P/P1Q3q1/3K4 b - - 1 49

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