2025/06/28 DPA: "Queenside Commotion, Kingside Grab"

Black to move:

.

Black is facing imminent demise on g7 so this puzzle will probably be about checkmate.

There is no way to defend g7 that doesn't just lose material.

The only checker is the Queen:  h1 loses the Queen; f1 has no good follow-up; g1 hits the a Rook so this is likely it.

I visualize 2. ... Qxa7+  3. Qxa7 Ra8 but this only regains material.

Aah, no:  it comes with check after the exchange which then allows Black to take advantage of the en prise Rook on h6:  4. Qxa8 Rxa8+  5. Kb1 gxh6.

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The key was realizing the goal was to win the h Rook and the singular way that could be achieved.

1. ... Qg1 forced the King onto the a file [1. ... Qf1+ would have also but would not have simultaneously attacked the a Rook];

2. ... Qxa7+ gave up the Queen for a Rook but White's optimal response is to recapture and the only piece available is the Queen, which is now on the same file as the King;

3. ... Ra8 pins the Queen.   if White saves the Rook by moving it off of h6, Black then wins the Queen instead;

4. ... Rxa8+ gains a tempo with check, which allows...

5. ... gxh6