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

Position

White: king g1; queen d6; rook d1; knight c3; pawns a3/b4/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen f6; rook c8; bishop g6; pawns a6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc3 — queen f6→c3, captures knight. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/5ppp/p2Q1qb1/8/1P6/P1N5/5PPP/3R2K1 b - - 0 32

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