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

Position

White: king e3; queen c8; rook f4; pawns a3/c4/d7/f3/g2/h3. Black: king e7; queen b2; rook g6; knight a6; pawns a7/b6/c5/g7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxa3+ — queen b2→a3, captures pawn, gives check. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ke4 — king e3→e4. Opponent replies Re6+ (rook g6→e6, gives check).
3. Best move: Kf5 — king e4→f5.

Tactical themes

defensive move, endgame, equality, short. The key move is Ke4.

Position data

FEN: 2Q5/p2Pk1p1/np4r1/2p5/2P2R2/P3KP1P/1q4P1/8 b - - 9 42

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