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

Position

White: king g1; queen d5; rook d1; pawns a2/c3/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c6; rook b8; pawns a7/b6/e5/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc3 — queen c6→c3, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook b8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1r4k1/p4ppp/1pq5/3Qp3/8/2P1P3/P4PPP/3R2K1 b - - 1 21

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