Chess Puzzle #0579n — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b3; rooks f1/h3; pawns a2/c2/f5/g2/h2. Black: king f8; queen e7; rooks e2/e4; pawns a7/b6/c5/d6/f6/g5. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Re1 — rook e2→e1. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rh8+ — rook h3→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Kg7 (king f8→g7).
3. Best move: Qg8# — queen b3→g8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qg8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/p3q3/1p1p1p2/2p2Pp1/4r3/1Q5R/P1P1r1PP/5RK1 b - - 5 38

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