Chess Puzzle #16JKk — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen c3; rooks d1/e1; pawns a4/b4/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen d5; rook e8; pawns a7/b7/c7/e2/f7/g6. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exd1=Q — pawn e2→d1, captures rook, promotes to queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook e1→e8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
3. Best move: Qh8# — queen c3→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/ppp2p2/6p1/3q4/PP6/2Q3PP/4p2K/3RR3 b - - 6 31

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