Chess Puzzle #0J0jI — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen c4; rooks a1/d1; pawn a2. Black: king g8; queen f5; rook e2; pawns a7/b7/c7/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: dxc4 — pawn d5→c4, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e2→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/ppp2ppp/8/3p1q2/2Q5/8/P3r3/R1KR4 b - - 0 33

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