Chess Puzzle #JgbGc — Intermediate, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h4; queen f8; rook c8; pawns a3/b6/g4/h3. Black: king h7; queen b3; pawns a4/e6/f7/g7/h6. White is ahead by 4 points of material. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qb4 — queen f8→b4. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: g5+ — pawn g7→g5, gives check. Opponent replies Kh5 (king h4→h5).
3. Best move: Qxh3# — queen b3→h3, captures pawn, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxh3# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2R2Q2/5ppk/1P2p2p/8/p5PK/Pq5P/8/8 w - - 1 39

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