Chess Puzzle #15GvN — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g2; queen e2; rooks c6/e1; pawns a2/b3/f3/f4/g3/h4. Black: king g8; queen h6; rooks a8/f6; pawns a7/d5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook f6→c6, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook a8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r5k1/p4ppp/2R2r1q/3p4/5P1P/1P3PP1/P3Q1K1/4R3 b - - 0 28

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