Chess Puzzle #1Td7e — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rooks a1/e1; bishops c1/d5; knight b1; pawns a3/b4/d2/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c7; rooks d8/e8; bishop f6; knight c6; pawns a7/b7/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: exd5 — pawn e6→d5, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxe8+ — queen e4→e8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3rr1k1/ppq2ppp/2n1pb2/3B4/1P2Q3/P7/3P1PPP/RNB1R1K1 b - - 0 17

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