Chess Puzzle #0P8F4 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rook e1; pawns a2/c3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king f8; queen c7; rook d8; pawns a7/c5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg8 — king f8→g8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r1k2/p1q2ppp/8/2p5/4Q3/2P5/P4PPP/4R1K1 b - - 2 25

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