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

Position

White: king g1; queen b8; rooks a8/e1; pawns a2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g7; queen c5; rooks d4/f6; pawns c6/e4/f7/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd8 — rook d4→d8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxd8 — queen b8→d8, captures rook. Opponent replies Qxf2+ (queen c5→f2, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Kh2 — king g1→h2.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move Qxd8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: RQ6/5pk1/2p2rp1/2q4p/3rp3/7P/P4PP1/4R1K1 b - - 1 32

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