Chess Puzzle #0m3qV — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rooks d8/e1; knight g3; pawns a2/b2/c2/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c7; rook f8; bishop b6; pawns a7/c6/f6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd8 — rook f8→d8, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3R1rk1/p1q2ppp/1bp2p2/8/8/6NP/PPP1QPP1/4R1K1 b - - 0 22

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