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

Position

White: king g1; queen e5; rook e1; pawns f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen d2; rook f8; pawns b6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd8 — rook f8→d8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e5→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: 5rk1/5ppp/1p6/4Q3/8/8/3q1PPP/4R1K1 b - - 0 25

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.