I’m a new chess player and do not understand why the solution to this puzzle is Qc2+ instead of something like Rb8, Qf5, g4 I don’t really understand what black could do here to save the Queen?
I’m a new chess player and do not understand why the solution to this puzzle is Qc2+ instead of something like Rb8, Qf5, g4 I don’t really understand what black could do here to save the Queen?
As Joe said, the problem is that these moves are not forced. After Rb8 black has a few options to play, like moving the rook out of the danger. And in case white follows with Qc2+, black can also defend with either Qg6 or g6 and keep the queen safe or exchange. The puzzle solution in this case is a double attack that wins material for white regardless black’s response.