Chess Puzzle #2nbJ5 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king b1; rook e8; pawns b7/c2/h5. Black: king e7; rook d7; pawns e6/f2/g7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kxe8 — king e7→e8, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: b8=Q+ — pawn b7→b8, promotes to queen, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Qb5+ — queen b8→b5, gives check.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, advantage, endgame, promotion, short. The key move is b8=Q+.

Position data

FEN: 4R3/1P1rk1p1/4p3/7P/8/8/2P2p2/1K6 b - - 1 44

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