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

Position

White: king g1; queen d6; rook b1; pawns a2/c2/d3/f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; rook d8; bishop d4; pawns a6/c5/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook d8→d6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rb8+ — rook b1→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook b8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/5ppp/p2Qp3/2p5/3b4/3P2P1/P1P2P1P/1R4K1 b - - 0 25

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