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

Position

White: king b1; rooks c1/c2; bishop f6; pawns a3/b2. Black: king f8; queen d7; rook g4; pawns a6/b5/d6/e5/f7/g6. Black is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kg8 — king f8→g8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c2→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Qxc8 (queen d7→c8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c1→c8, captures queen, gives check. Opponent replies Kh7 (king g8→h7).
4. Best move: Rh8# — rook c8→h8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, opera mate. The combination ends with Rh8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5k2/3q1p2/p2p1Bp1/1p2p3/6r1/P7/1PR5/1KR5 b - - 1 27

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