Chess Puzzle #1K6NE — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king d2; queen c3; rooks d6/h1; knight e2; pawns b2/c2/e4/g4/h4. Black: king g8; queen a1; rook c8; bishop e6; pawns a6/b7/e5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxh1 — queen a1→h1, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxc8+ — queen c3→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bxc8 (bishop e6→c8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rd8# — rook d6→d8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/1p3ppp/p2Rb3/4p3/4P1PP/2Q5/1PPKN3/q6R b - - 2 26

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