Chess Puzzle #3xGYb — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen f4; rook h4; pawns a2/b3/d5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen f7; rooks e1/g7; pawns a7/b7/f6. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd1 — rook e1→d1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen f4→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Qf8 (queen f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h4→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh8 (king g8→h8, captures rook).
4. Best move: Qxf8+ — queen b8→f8, captures queen, gives check.

Tactical themes

attraction, crushing, deflection, endgame, exposed king, long. The key move Qxf8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pp3qr1/5p2/3P4/5Q1R/1P5P/P4PPK/4r3 b - - 4 42

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