Chess Puzzle #1rzK8 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h1; queen e5; rooks e1/f1; pawns a2/b2/c2/d5/g2/h2. Black: king b8; queen g5; rook h6; bishop d6; pawns a7/b7/c7/g7/h5. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxe5 — bishop d6→e5, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f1→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Qd8 (queen g5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook f8→d8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k6/ppp3p1/3b3r/3PQ1qp/8/8/PPP3PP/4RR1K b - - 0 24

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