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

Position

White: king g1; queen b8; rook b1; bishop g5; pawns f2/g2/h3. Black: king f8; rook d5; bishop e5; pawns c2/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Bxb8 — bishop e5→b8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxb8+ — rook b1→b8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d5→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook b8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1Q3k2/5ppp/4p3/3rb1B1/8/7P/2p2PP1/1R4K1 b - - 0 33

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