Chess Puzzle #LMa5z — Expert, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2178 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame.

Position

White: king g3; queen e2; pawns a3/b2/c3/f3. Black: king g6; queen f4; pawns a5/d5/e6/g5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Kf2 — king g3→f2. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qh2+ — queen f4→h2, gives check. Opponent replies Ke1 (king f2→e1).
  3. Best move: Qxe2+ — queen h2→e2, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxe2 (king e1→e2, captures queen).
  4. Best move: a4 — pawn a5→a4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move Qxe2+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/8/4p1k1/p2p2p1/5q2/P1P2PK1/1P2Q3/8 w - - 4 42

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Puzzle data from the Lichess puzzle database (CC0). Analysis powered by Stockfish 18 in your browser.