Chess Puzzle #ZZPfZ — Expert, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g4; queen f5; pawns a6/b4/d4/e3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king h8; queen e2; pawns a7/b5/d5/e4/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f3 — pawn f2→f3. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf3+ — queen e2→f3, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Qxf3 (queen f5→f3, captures queen).
3. Best move: h5+ — pawn h6→h5, gives check. Opponent replies Kxh5 (king g4→h5, captures pawn).
4. Best move: exf3 — pawn e4→f3, captures queen.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, long, queen endgame, sacrifice. The key move Qxf3+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 7k/p7/P6p/1p1p1Qp1/1P1Pp1K1/4P1P1/4qP1P/8 w - - 4 40

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