Chess Puzzle #00awK — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; queen f7; rook f2; pawns b2/c2. Black: king g8; queen c1; rook a8; bishop e5; pawns a6/c7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook a8→f8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f2→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/2p2Qpp/p7/4b3/8/8/1PP1KR2/2q5 b - - 0 24

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