Chess Puzzle #2Atl0 — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g1; queen b2; pawn h2. Black: king b6; queen d5; pawns a7/b7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb5 — queen d5→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb5+ — queen b2→b5, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxb5 (king b6→b5, captures queen).
3. Best move: h4 — pawn h2→h4. Opponent replies a5 (pawn a7→a5).
4. Best move: h5 — pawn h4→h5.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame, quiet move. The key move Qxb5+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/pp6/1k6/3q4/8/8/1Q5P/6K1 b - - 8 38

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