Chess Puzzle #SHKLd — Master, Black to move, endgame

Rating 2520 · Master · crushing, endgame, exposed king, interference, long, queen rook endgame.

Position

White: king b1; rooks c1/c7; pawns a6/b7. Black: king b8; queen b4; pawns e6/f7/h6. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Ka1 — king b1→a1. Now Black to move.
  2. Best move: Qa5+ — queen b4→a5, gives check. Opponent replies Kb2 (king a1→b2).
  3. Best move: Qb6+ — queen a5→b6, gives check. Opponent replies Kc2 (king b2→c2).
  4. Best move: Qxc7+ — queen b6→c7, captures rook, gives check.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, exposed king, interference, long, queen rook endgame. The key move Qxc7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/1PR2p2/P3p2p/8/1q6/8/8/1KR5 w - - 3 43

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