Chess Puzzle #4QJC1 — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king a2; queen d6; bishop b4; pawns a3/b3/d5. Black: king e7; queen e3; rook f7; bishop d7; pawns e5/f6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke8 — king e7→e8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen d6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop d7→c8).
3. Best move: Qxc8# — queen b8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/3bkr2/3Q1p2/3Pp3/1B6/PP2q3/K7/8 b - - 0 49

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