Chess Puzzle #1Q9O5 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen d5; rooks f1/f7; pawns a2/b2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c2; rooks c8/f8; pawns a7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen d5→f7, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook c8→f8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r2rk1/p4Rpp/8/3Q4/8/8/PPq3PP/5RK1 b - - 0 22

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