Chess Puzzle #0AEES — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d8; rooks e1/e3; pawns a3/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g5; rook f7; bishop e7; pawns a7/c6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxd8 — bishop e7→d8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e3→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3Q3k/p3brpp/2p5/6q1/8/P3R3/1P3PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 25

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