Chess Puzzle #3AQUX — Expert, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king g3; queen d4; pawns b3/e3/f2/h5. Black: king g8; queen a2; pawns a7/b6/f7/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb3 — queen a2→b3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: h6 — pawn h5→h6. Opponent replies f6 (pawn f7→f6).
3. Best move: Qxf6 — queen d4→f6, captures pawn. Opponent replies Qf7 (queen b3→f7).
4. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen f6→f7, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf7 (king g8→f7, captures queen).
5. Best move: e4 — pawn e3→e4.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4p2/1p4p1/7P/3Q4/1P2P1K1/q4P2/8 b - - 0 40

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