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

Position

White: king h1; queen e5; rook e1; bishop b4; pawns a5/c3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c2; rook b8; bishop g6; pawns a6/b7/c4/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ra8 — rook b8→a8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e5→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook a8→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: 1r4k1/1p3ppp/p5b1/P3Q3/1Bp5/2P4P/2q2PP1/4R2K b - - 2 34

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