Chess Puzzle #1BAE1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d2; rooks c1/f1; pawns a2/b3/b5/f2/g3/h3. Black: king g8; queen f3; rook d8; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd2 — rook d8→d2, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d2→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/p4ppp/8/1P6/8/1P3qPP/P2Q1P2/2R2RK1 b - - 0 33

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