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

Position

White: king h2; rook c7; bishop e5; pawns a4/d4/e4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen f5; rook d2; bishop d3; pawns a6/d5/f7/g6/h5. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf2 — queen f5→f2, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Rh8# — rook c8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/2R2p2/p5p1/3pBq1p/P2PP3/3b3P/3r1PPK/8 b - - 0 28

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