Queen checkmate with restricted king escape

By · · 2 min read · Updated May 8, 2026

This is a Black-to-move Queen endings endgame study. With best play, the result is white wins; the solution runs 10 half-moves.

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Queen checkmate with restricted king escape is a Queen endings endgame study from the Climbchess curated set of 80 positions. White's queen on c2 controls key squares around Black's king. Learn how to restrict the opposing king's movement and deliver checkmate efficiently.

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Position: Black to move. Result with best play: white wins. Solution length: 10 half-moves.

FEN: 8/2p5/6k1/8/8/8/2Q5/4K3 b - - 0 1

Solving guide (move by move)

Show step-by-step solution

Try the position yourself first — endgame technique compounds when you struggle through the calculation before peeking.

  1. Black: g6g5
  2. White: c2c7
  3. Black: g5f6
  4. White: c7d7
  5. Black: f6g6
  6. White: e1e2
  7. Black: g6h5
  8. White: e2f3
  9. Black: h5g6
  10. White: f3e4

Play this endgame in the trainer →

About Queen endings

Q vs P, Q+P vs Q, perpetual check, centralisation.

Related endgames

Underlying chess concepts

Endgame technique reduces to a small number of recurring patterns: opposition, key squares, zugzwang, fortress, breakthrough. Climbchess catalogues 4,505 interpretable patterns extracted from Leela Chess Zero via sparse autoencoders. Browse the methodology or jump straight into the trainer to attempt this exact position interactively.

Frequently asked

Is this position a win, draw or loss?

With best play: white wins. Black moves first.

What is the key idea?

White's queen on c2 controls key squares around Black's king. Learn how to restrict the opposing king's movement and deliver checkmate efficiently.

How long is the solution?

10 half-moves (5 full moves) of forced or near-forced play.

Where can I practise it?

Open the Climbchess trainer using the deep-link button — the position loads pre-set so you can play it out against the engine.