Chess Puzzle #AyNJJ — Intermediate, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king c2; queen c4; rook e2; pawn b5. Black: king c8; queen e7; rook h8; pawns b7/c7/e4. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rh5 — rook h8→h5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qg8+ — queen c4→g8, gives check. Opponent replies Qd8 (queen e7→d8).
3. Best move: Qg4+ — queen g8→g4, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king c8→b8).
4. Best move: Qxh5 — queen g4→h5, captures rook.

Tactical themes

advantage, endgame, fork, long. The key move is Qg8+.

Position data

FEN: 2k4r/1pp1q3/8/1P6/2Q1p3/8/2K1R3/8 b - - 1 37

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