Chess Puzzle #3NsXd — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; queen f6; knight f2; pawns e4/g5. Black: king g8; queen a3; rook b3; pawns a6/e6/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb2+ — queen a3→b2, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb2 — queen f6→b2, captures queen. Opponent replies Rxb2+ (rook b3→b2, captures queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxb2 — king c2→b2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, short. The key move Qxb2 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5p2/p3pQp1/6P1/4P3/qr6/2K2N2/8 b - - 3 41

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