Chess Puzzle #5CVPz — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Rating 2039 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, master, queen endgame, short.

Position

White: king e3; queen a5; pawns a2/d5/g2/h3. Black: king g7; queen c4; pawns b4/d6/f7/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Qc5+ — queen c4→c5, gives check. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Qxc5 — queen a5→c5, captures queen. Opponent replies dxc5 (pawn d6→c5, captures queen).
  3. Best move: Kd3 — king e3→d3.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, master, queen endgame, short. The key move Qxc5 wins material.

Position data

FEN: 8/5pk1/3p2pp/Q2P4/1pq5/4K2P/P5P1/8 b - - 6 45

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.