Chess Puzzle #3iXmD — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; queen d3; pawns a2/b3/f3/g4. Black: king g7; queen b6; pawns a6/e6/f7/g5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc5+ — queen b6→c5, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc3+ — queen d3→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Qxc3+ (queen c5→c3, captures queen, gives check).
3. Best move: Kxc3 — king c2→c3, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, queen endgame, short. The key move is Qc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/5pk1/pq2p3/6p1/6P1/1P1Q1P2/P1K5/8 b - - 0 46

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