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

Position

White: king g1; queen d2; rooks f1/f7; bishop e6; pawns b2/b4/c2/d3/e4/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen g5; rook a8; bishop c6; pawns a6/b5/d4/d7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxd2 — queen g5→d2, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook a8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r6k/3p1Rpp/p1b1B3/1p4q1/1P1pP3/3P4/1PPQ2PP/5RK1 b - - 0 22

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