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

Position

White: king g1; queen e7; rooks c1/e1; pawns a3/e6/f2/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen b2; rook e8; pawns a7/d4/f5/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxe7 — rook e8→e7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e7→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p3Q1pp/4P3/5p2/3p4/P7/1q3PPP/2R1R1K1 b - - 0 28

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