Chess Puzzle #1Wc1j — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen a8; rook d4; bishop f1; pawns a2/b3/e3/f2/g2/h2. Black: king h8; queen c6; bishop b7; pawns b6/e4/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxa8 — bishop b7→a8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d4→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen c6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: Q6k/1b3ppp/1pq5/8/3Rp3/1P2P3/P4PPP/5BK1 b - - 0 26

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