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

Position

White: king g1; queen f5; rook c1; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king h7; queen b2; rook d2; pawns b4/f7/g7/h6. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king h7→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 8/5ppk/7p/5Q2/1p6/7P/1q1r1PP1/2R3K1 b - - 5 36

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