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

Position

White: king g2; queen d3; rook a1; pawns c5/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; rook d8; pawns b7/c6/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd3 — rook d8→d3, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d3→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook a8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/1p3ppp/2p1p3/2P5/8/3Q2PP/5PK1/R7 b - - 0 31

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