Chess Puzzle #1j1aL — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen f3; rooks b1/f1; pawns a2/c2/d3/e4/h3. Black: king a8; queen d2; rooks d8/g2; pawns a7/c6/c7/e5/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rdg8 — rook d8→g8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f3→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook g8→f8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: k2r4/p1p4p/2p5/4p3/4P3/3P1Q1P/P1Pq2r1/1R3R1K b - - 6 21

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