Chess Puzzle #5DGf9 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d5; pawns a3/b2/c3/c5/g3/h2. Black: king f7; rooks c8/e6; bishop f5; pawns a7/g6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Be4 — bishop f5→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd7+ — queen d5→d7, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king f7→f6).
3. Best move: Qxc8 — queen d7→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, short. The key move is Qd7+.

Position data

FEN: 2r5/p4k2/4r1p1/2PQ1b2/8/P1P3P1/1P5P/6K1 b - - 0 35

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