Chess Puzzle #FhN3L — Intermediate, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; queen d4; pawns c4/g2/g4. Black: king g6; queen c2; pawn b4. White is ahead by 2 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg3 — king f2→g3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc3+ — queen c2→c3, gives check. Opponent replies Qxc3 (queen d4→c3, captures queen).
3. Best move: bxc3 — pawn b4→c3, captures queen. Opponent replies Kf2 (king g3→f2).
4. Best move: c2 — pawn c3→c2.

Tactical themes

advanced pawn, crushing, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move is Qc3+.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/6k1/8/1pPQ2P1/8/2q2KP1/8 w - - 1 50

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