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

Position

White: king g1; queen f3; rook f6; pawns a2/b2/c2/d3/e4. Black: king g8; queen d7; rook d8; pawns a6/b7/c5/d6/h3/h7. Black is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f6→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook d8→f8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Qxf8# — queen f3→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/1p1q3p/p2p1R2/2p5/4P3/3P1Q1p/PPP5/6K1 b - - 1 25

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