Chess Puzzle #0JR2z — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen h3; rooks d1/d5; pawns a2/b2/g2/h2. Black: king c8; queen e2; rooks b7/e8; bishop b6; pawns a7/c7/g5/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kb8 — king c8→b8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook e8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2k1r3/prp3pp/1b6/3R2p1/8/7Q/PP2q1PP/3R3K b - - 6 28

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