Chess Puzzle #0U6N3 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; queen d4; bishop c3; pawns a2/b2/g3/h2. Black: king h8; queen a1; rooks a8/f8; bishop c8; pawns a7/c6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 10 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rf7 — rook f8→f7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d4→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Qxf8# — queen d8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r1b2r1k/p5pp/2p5/8/3Q4/2B3P1/PP1K3P/q7 b - - 3 22

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.