Chess Puzzle #0zvi9 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f1; rook d1; bishop g2; pawns a4/g3/h2. Black: king b8; queen c6; rook e3; bishop b6; pawns a5/c7/f5/g6/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qc5 — queen c6→c5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ka7 (king b8→a7).
3. Best move: Ra8# — rook d8→a8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, master, mate, mate in 2, opera mate, short. The combination ends with Ra8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/2p4p/1bq3p1/p4p2/P7/4r1P1/6BP/3R1Q1K b - - 1 39

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