Chess Puzzle #I0wN9 — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; queen g3; knight c3; pawns a2/c5/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen c2; pawns a7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ke3 — king f2→e3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxc3+ — queen c2→c3, captures knight, gives check. Opponent replies Ke4 (king e3→e4).
3. Best move: Qc4+ — queen c3→c4, gives check.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, hanging piece, short. The key move Qxc3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7k/p5pp/8/2P5/8/2N3Q1/P1q2KPP/8 w - - 3 28

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