Chess Puzzle #OqXSi — Advanced, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king f4; queen b7; pawns b3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d3; pawns a7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a6 — pawn a7→a6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc8+ — queen b7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Qf5+ — queen c8→f5, gives check. Opponent replies Qxf5+ (queen d3→f5, captures queen, gives check).
4. Best move: Kxf5 — king f4→f5, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, queen endgame. The key move is Qc8+.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/pQ4p1/7p/8/5K2/1P1q4/6PP/8 b - - 10 36

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