Chess Puzzle #2USFs — Beginner, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c3; rook h3; knight g1; pawns b3/c4/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen a1; rook d1; pawns a7/c6/c7/f5/g6. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qh8+ — queen c3→h8, gives check. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxh8 — queen a1→h8, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxh8+ (rook h3→h8, captures queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxh8 — king g8→h8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Qxh8 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p1p5/2p3p1/5p2/2P5/1PQ4R/6PP/q2r2NK w - - 4 36

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