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

Position

White: king g1; queen c7; rook c8; pawns f2/g3/h2. Black: king g8; queen d5; rook f8; pawns a6/b7/d6/e5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: a5 — pawn a6→a5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxf8+ — rook c8→f8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Kxf8 (king g8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qd8# — queen c7→d8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

attraction, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2R2rk1/1pQ2ppp/p2p4/3qp3/8/6P1/5P1P/6K1 b - - 1 29

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