Chess Puzzle #1Rpa2 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a5; rooks d1/d6; pawns e3/f2/g3/h4. Black: king g8; rooks a8/c8; pawns a4/b4/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxa5 — rook a8→a5, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d6→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: r1r3k1/5ppp/3R4/Q7/pp5P/4P1P1/5P2/3R2K1 b - - 0 30

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