Chess Puzzle #0cX6M — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c4; rook f1; pawns a2/b3/e4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen e3; rook d8; pawns a7/b6/c7/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: b5 — pawn b6→b5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen c4→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook d8→f8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p1p2ppp/1p6/8/2Q1P3/1P2q1P1/P6P/5R1K b - - 1 22

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