Chess Puzzle #PcwnJ — Expert, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a5; pawns a2/b3/g4/h3. Black: king g8; queen e2; pawns b7/d3/f4/g5/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d2 — pawn d3→d2. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qa8+ — queen a5→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Kf7 (king g8→f7).
3. Best move: Qxb7+ — queen a8→b7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kf6 (king f7→f6).
4. Best move: Qc6+ — queen b7→c6, gives check.

Tactical themes

endgame, equality, exposed king, long, queen endgame. The key move Qxb7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/1p6/7p/Q5p1/5pP1/1P1p3P/P3q3/6K1 b - - 6 36

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