Chess Puzzle #1a0AD — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rook f1; pawns c5/d4/e3/e5/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c2; rook b2; pawns a7/c6/d5/e6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a7→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxf7+ — queen f3→f7, captures pawn, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Qe8# — queen f7→e8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p4ppp/2p1p3/2PpP3/3P4/4PQ1P/1rq3P1/5RK1 b - - 1 31

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