Chess Puzzle #0Om6F — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f5; rook d1; knight f3; pawns a2/b2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b7; rook c8; knight f6; pawns a7/b6/f7/g7/h6. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc5 — rook c8→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/pq3pp1/1p3n1p/5Q2/8/5N2/PP3PPP/3R2K1 b - - 1 22

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