Chess Puzzle #1Yx5u — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e2; rook e1; bishop e4; pawns a2/b3/g2. Black: king c8; queen g3; rook g8; bishop h6; pawns a7/b7/c7/f7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bf4 — bishop h6→f4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Bf5+ — bishop e4→f5, gives check. Opponent replies Kb8 (king c8→b8).
3. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e2→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook g8→e8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2k3r1/ppp2p2/7b/8/4B3/1P4q1/P3Q1P1/4R1K1 b - - 1 28

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