Chess Puzzle #02u4D — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d8; rook d1; bishop a3; knight f3; pawns a2/b3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c3; rook e3; bishop f6; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd8 — bishop f6→d8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook d1→d8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e3→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3Q2k1/p4ppp/1p3b2/8/8/BPq1rN2/P5PP/3R2K1 b - - 2 24

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