Chess Puzzle #1fXxb — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king b5; queen b6; pawns d3/e4/f5. Black: king a8; queen c2; pawns a5/b4/f6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc6+ — queen b6→c6, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc6+ — queen c2→c6, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxc6 (king b5→c6, captures queen).
3. Best move: b3 — pawn b4→b3. Opponent replies e5 (pawn e4→e5).
4. Best move: b2 — pawn b3→b2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move Qxc6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: k7/8/1Q3p2/pK3P2/1p2P3/3P4/2q5/8 w - - 1 43

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