Chess Puzzle #0Uz0H — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e2; rook e1; bishop g6; pawns a2/b3/f4/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d6; rook d8; bishop d5; pawns a7/b5/f6/g7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxf4 — queen d6→f4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p5p1/3q1pB1/1p1b4/5P2/1P5P/P3Q1P1/4R2K b - - 3 39

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