Chess Puzzle #1WcZ6 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b7; rook d1; bishop f3; pawns a3/b4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e5; rook b8; pawns f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb7 — rook b8→b7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen e5→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: 1r4k1/1Q3ppp/8/4q3/1P6/P4B1P/5PP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 24

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