Chess Puzzle #2VNQd — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c4; queen d5; pawns b6/c5/f2. Black: king f8; queen f7; bishop e5; pawn g4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke7 — king f8→e7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen d5→f7, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf7 (king e7→f7, captures queen).
3. Best move: Kd5 — king c4→d5. Opponent replies Bf4 (bishop e5→f4).
4. Best move: Kc6 — king d5→c6.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long. The key move Qxf7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/5q2/1P6/2PQb3/2K3p1/8/5P2/8 b - - 0 44

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