Chess Puzzle #3jE7c — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; queen e5; pawns a3/b2/g4/h5. Black: king h8; queen c6; pawns a6/c4/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb5 — queen c6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb5 — queen e5→b5, captures queen. Opponent replies axb5 (pawn a6→b5, captures queen).
3. Best move: Kg3 — king h2→g3. Opponent replies Kg8 (king h8→g8).
4. Best move: Kf4 — king g3→f4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move Qxb5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 7k/6p1/p1q4p/4Q2P/2p3P1/P7/1P5K/8 b - - 2 37

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