Chess Puzzle #04YLh — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f3; rook f1; bishops d5/h6; pawns a3/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen e6; rook b2; bishop d4; pawns a7/c6/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxd5 — queen e6→d5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxd5+ — queen f3→d5, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies cxd5 (pawn c6→d5, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rf8# — rook f1→f8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

clearance, endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p6p/2p1q1pB/3B4/3b4/P4QP1/1r5P/5R1K b - - 1 27

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.