Chess Puzzle #3h35n — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king d5; queen a3; rook b8; pawn d4. Black: king g3; queen f1; rook e8; pawn g5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qf3+ — queen f1→f3, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf3+ — queen a3→f3, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf3 (king g3→f3, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8 — rook b8→e8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, short. The key move Qxf3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1R2r3/8/8/3K2p1/3P4/Q5k1/8/5q2 b - - 1 59

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.