Chess Puzzle #1e31F — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king f1; rooks e2/e3; pawns a2/b2/d6/f3. Black: king g8; queen g3; rook f8; pawns a7/b5/c6/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rd8 — rook f8→d8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e3→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e2→e8, captures rook, 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: 5rk1/p4ppp/2pP4/1p6/8/4RPq1/PP2R3/5K2 b - - 0 28

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