Chess Puzzle #0a73M — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen c1; bishop d2; pawns a3/b2/f4. Black: king h8; queen f3; rook d3; bishop b6; pawns a6/b7/d5/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qe4 — queen f3→e4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc8+ — queen c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Bd8 (bishop b6→d8).
3. Best move: Qxd8+ — queen c8→d8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen e4→e8).
4. Best move: Qxe8# — queen d8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Qxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 7k/1p4pp/pb3p2/3p4/5P2/P2r1q2/1P1B4/1KQ5 b - - 9 44

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