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

Position

White: king h2; queen d6; pawns b6/c4/g4/h3. Black: king h5; queen b3; knight f4; pawn g5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh4 — king h5→h4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qh6+ — queen d6→h6, gives check. Opponent replies Nh5 (knight f4→h5).
3. Best move: Qxh5# — queen h6→h5, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxh5# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/1P1Q4/6pk/2P2nP1/1q5P/7K/8 b - - 0 49

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.