user8231: Given this board setup:
6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13

Puzzle states: White to move, find the best move. The puzzle solution says Qg4-e6 and the rationale is that Rc2-c8+ cannot be stopped.  It seems to me, and some computer programs agree, that going directly for Rc2-c8+ is better because it forces a response of Qb6-d8 followed by Rc8xd8+ Rf7-f8, Qg4-e6+ Kg8-h8, Rd8xf8#. I am no master, I barely can call myself novice. So why is the solution saying that Qg4-e6 is better?

user4362: Often there are several strong moves and the puzzle solution lists just one of them.
In this case however, it seems to be a mistake. Possibly the second move was given instead of the first, with the intended solution being 1.Rc8 Rf8 2.Qe6+.

user7297: You're absolutely right. Qe6 only seems to draw:
6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13

1. Qe6 g6 2. Rc8 Kg7

There's no forced win for white here as far as I can see.

8231: <p>Given this board setup:</p>

<pre><code>6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13
</code></pre>

<p>Puzzle states: White to move, find the best move. The puzzle solution says Qg4-e6 and the rationale is that Rc2-c8+ cannot be stopped.  It seems to me, and some computer programs agree, that going directly for Rc2-c8+ is better because it forces a response of Qb6-d8 followed by Rc8xd8+ Rf7-f8, Qg4-e6+ Kg8-h8, Rd8xf8#. I am no master, I barely can call myself novice. So why is the solution saying that Qg4-e6 is better?</p>
 4362: <p>Often there are several strong moves and the puzzle solution lists just one of them.</p>

<p>In this case however, it seems to be a mistake. Possibly the second move was given instead of the first, with the intended solution being 1.Rc8 Rf8 2.Qe6+.</p>
 7297: <p>You're absolutely right. Qe6 only seems to draw:</p>

<pre><code>6k1/1p3rpp/1q1p4/p2Pp3/P5Q1/1P3PP1/2R3KP/8 w - - 3 13

1. Qe6 g6 2. Rc8 Kg7
</code></pre>

<p>There's no forced win for white here as far as I can see.</p>
