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

Position

White: king g1; queen b7; rooks c1/f1; pawns a2/b3/e4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g6; rook b8; bishop h4; pawns a6/b5/d6/e5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb7 — rook b8→b7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop h4→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8+ — rook c8→d8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen g6→e8).
4. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r5k/1Q4pp/p2p2q1/1p2p3/4P2b/1P6/P4PPP/2R2RK1 b - - 5 25

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