Chess Puzzle #1aq0x — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e4; rook e1; bishop g2; pawns a4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king h8; queen d2; rook g8; bishop g4; pawns a7/f7/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rc8 — rook g8→c8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e4→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook c8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 6rk/p4ppp/8/8/P3Q1b1/6P1/3q1PBP/4R1K1 b - - 2 29

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