Chess Puzzle #39odZ — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; queen g3; rook h6; pawns b3/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e7; rook e8; pawns a4/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb3+ — queen g3→b3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Qf7 (queen e7→f7).
3. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h6→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh8 (king g8→h8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxf7 — queen b3→f7, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, deflection, endgame, long. The key move Qxb3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/4q1p1/7R/8/p7/1P4QP/6PK/8 b - - 0 39

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