Chess Puzzle #0ZL2k — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king c1; queen a8; rooks d1/e1; bishop c4; knight b3; pawns a2/b2/c3/f2/h2. Black: king f8; queen g2; bishops b6/f3; knight f6; pawns a7/c7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxa8 — bishop f3→a8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rexe8# — rook e1→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rexe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: Q4k2/p1p2ppp/1b3n2/8/2B5/1NP2b2/PP3PqP/2KRR3 b - - 0 19

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