Chess Puzzle #39Hi5 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen d8; rooks d1/g1; knight g3; pawns a2/b2/d5/e4/f3. Black: king g8; queen a5; rooks c2/h2; knight h5; pawns a6/b4/d6/f7/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh7 — king g8→h7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxa5 — queen d8→a5, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxb2+ (rook c2→b2, captures pawn, gives check).
3. Best move: Ka1 — king b1→a1.

Tactical themes

crushing, master, middlegame, short. The key move Qxa5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 3Q2k1/5p2/p2p2p1/q2P3n/1p2P3/5PN1/PPr4r/1K1R2R1 b - - 2 28

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