Chess Puzzle #5AXQl — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c6; rooks d6/e1; pawns a3/b2/c3/e4/f3/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen f6; rooks e6/e8; pawns a7/b6/c5/f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook e6→d6, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxe8+ — queen c6→e8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king g8→g7).
3. Best move: e5 — pawn e4→e5. Opponent replies Qf4 (queen f6→f4).
4. Best move: exd6 — pawn e5→d6, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, fork, hanging piece, long. The key move Qxe8+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p4p1p/1pQRrqp1/2p5/4P3/P1P2P1P/1P4P1/4R1K1 b - - 0 28

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