Chess Puzzle #vqYTm — Expert, White to move, endgame

Rating 2253 · Expert · crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame, zugzwang.

Position

White: king b2; queen c7; pawns b3/f4/g5/h4. Black: king e7; queen b5; pawns a5/e6/g6/h5. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

  1. Opponent setup: Qd7 — queen b5→d7. Now White to move.
  2. Best move: Qxd7+ — queen c7→d7, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kxd7 (king e7→d7, captures queen).
  3. Best move: Kc3 — king b2→c3. Opponent replies Kc6 (king d7→c6).
  4. Best move: Kc4 — king c3→c4.

Tactical themes

crushing, defensive move, endgame, long, queen endgame, zugzwang. The key move Qxd7+ captures with check, forcing a response.

Position data

FEN: 8/2Q1k3/4p1p1/pq4Pp/5P1P/1P6/1K6/8 b - - 9 43

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