Chess Puzzle #DFXa0 — Advanced, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen c4; rook f1; pawns a2/b3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h7; queen d1; rook d7; pawns b4/c2/f4/f7/g6/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf1+ — queen d1→f1, captures rook, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Kxf1 — king g1→f1, captures queen. Opponent replies Rd1+ (rook d7→d1, gives check).
3. Best move: Ke2 — king f1→e2. Opponent replies c1=Q (pawn c2→c1, promotes to queen).
4. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen c4→f7, captures pawn, gives check.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, hanging piece, long. The key move Qxf7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/3r1p1k/6pp/8/1pQ2p2/1P6/P1p2PPP/3q1RK1 b - - 3 42

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