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

Position

White: king h3; rook b3; pawns a4/f4/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rooks c2/e2; pawns a6/d2/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: d1=Q — pawn d2→d1, promotes to queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b3→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rc8 (rook c2→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook b8→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qd8 (queen d1→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, queen rook endgame. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/5ppp/p3p3/8/P4P2/1R4PK/2rpr2P/8 b - - 1 39

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