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

Position

White: king h2; queen f7; rook a6; pawns b3/f3/g2/g3. Black: king h8; rook f8; pawns b5/e5/f6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 8 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Ra8+ — rook a6→a8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook a8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/5Qpp/R4p2/1p2p3/8/1P3PP1/6PK/8 b - - 0 38

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