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

Position

White: king g1; queen b4; rook a1; pawns e3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king h8; rook b8; pawns c3/g6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 9 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxb4 — rook b8→b4, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a1→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rb8 (rook b4→b8).
3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook a8→b8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r5k/6pp/6p1/8/1Q6/2p1P2P/5PP1/R5K1 b - - 0 32

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