Chess Puzzle #aT8NB — Master, Black to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h3; queen e6; rook f2; knight d4; pawns a3/c3/f6/g2/h4. Black: king h7; queen d7; rook g4; bishop c8; pawns a6/b5/c4/g6/h5. Material is balanced. Black to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: f7 — pawn f6→f7. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qc7 — queen d7→c7. Opponent replies f8=N+ (pawn f7→f8, promotes to knight, gives check).
3. Best move: Kh8 — king h7→h8.

Tactical themes

advantage, defensive move, endgame, short. The key move is Qc7.

Position data

FEN: 2b5/3q3k/p3QPp1/1p5p/2pN2rP/P1P4K/5RP1/8 w - - 6 40

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