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

Position

White: king a1; queen c5; rook f1; pawns a3/b2/d4/h3. Black: king d7; queen g6; rook h8; pawns c6/c7/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qg2 — queen g6→g2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf7+ — rook f1→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kc8 (king d7→c8).
3. Best move: Qa7 — queen c5→a7. Opponent replies Qh1+ (queen g2→h1, gives check).
4. Best move: Ka2 — king a1→a2.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long. The key move Rxf7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7r/2pk1ppp/2p1p1q1/2Q5/3P4/P6P/1P6/K4R2 b - - 1 31

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