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

Position

White: king g1; queen e5; rook d6; pawns a4/b3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g7; queen b7; rook e7; pawns a6/c5/e6/f7/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg8 — king g7→g8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 8/1q2rpkp/p2Rp1p1/2p1Q3/P7/1P5P/5PP1/6K1 b - - 2 33

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