Chess Puzzle #1dw3d — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; queen e5; rook d1; pawns a3/b4/f2/h3. Black: king h8; queen e8; pawns a6/b7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxe5 — queen e8→e5, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen e5→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4q2k/1p4pp/p7/4Q3/1P6/P6P/5P2/3R1K2 b - - 0 42

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