Chess Puzzle #0R4HE — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e7; rooks c1/f1; pawns a2/d5/f6/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d3; rooks b2/e8; pawns f7/g6/h7. White is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe7 — rook e8→e7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/4Qp1p/5Pp1/3P4/8/3q3P/Pr4P1/2R2R1K b - - 2 30

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