Chess Puzzle #06IuL — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d1; rooks d5/e5; pawns a2/b3/c2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b2; rook b8; pawns a7/c5/c7/d6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxe5 — pawn d6→e5, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook b8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxd8# — queen d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/p1p2ppp/3p4/2pRR3/8/1P6/PqP2PPP/3Q2K1 b - - 0 20

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