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

Position

White: king h1; queen e1; rook d1; pawns e5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen a3; rook c4; pawns f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc2 — rook c4→c2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qe4+ — queen e1→e4, gives check. Opponent replies g6 (pawn g7→g6).
4. Best move: Qxc2 — queen e4→c2, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Rd8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5pp1/7p/4P3/2r5/q6P/6P1/3RQ2K b - - 0 41

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