Chess Puzzle #2b3bM — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king e7; queen f5; pawn a4. Black: king h7; queen g8; pawns f6/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qg6 — queen g8→g6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxg6+ — queen f5→g6, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxg6 (king h7→g6, captures queen).
3. Best move: a5 — pawn a4→a5. Opponent replies Kf5 (king g6→f5).
4. Best move: a6 — pawn a5→a6.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, queen endgame, quiet move. The key move Qxg6+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6q1/4K2k/5p1p/5Qp1/P7/8/8/8 b - - 1 55

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