Chess Puzzle #1dM1B — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen c3; rook d1; bishop g2; pawns b2/d7/f4/h2. Black: king c8; queen b6; rook d8; knight a5; pawns a6/b7/c7/f5/g4. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd7 — rook d8→d7, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qh8+ — queen c3→h8, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d7→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2kr4/1ppP4/pq6/n4p2/5Pp1/2Q5/1P4BP/3R3K b - - 0 30

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