Chess Puzzle #b9QVo — Master, Black to move, endgame

Position

White: king f2; queen a2; rook c4; pawns d4/e3/g2. Black: king h6; queen e4; rook b8; pawns f4/g6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. Black to move.

Solution (4 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exf4 — pawn e3→f4, captures pawn. Now Black to move.
2. Best move: Qxf4+ — queen e4→f4, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kg1 (king f2→g1).
3. Best move: Qe3+ — queen f4→e3, gives check. Opponent replies Kh2 (king g1→h2).
4. Best move: Rh8 — rook b8→h8. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c4→c8).
5. Best move: Rxc8 — rook h8→c8, captures rook.

Tactical themes

crushing, endgame, master, quiet move, very long. The key move Qxf4+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 1r6/8/6pk/8/2RPqp2/4P3/Q4KP1/8 w - - 0 41

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