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

Position

White: king h2; queen d5; pawns a4/b5/c2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen g7; rook e7; pawns g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe5+ — queen g7→e5, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxe5+ — queen d5→e5, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe5 (rook e7→e5, captures queen).
3. Best move: b6 — pawn b5→b6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Qxe5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7k/4r1q1/7p/1P1Q2p1/P7/7P/2P3PK/8 b - - 0 40

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