Chess Puzzle #243nF — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b6; rook b1; pawns a2/c4/d5/f2/f3/h2. Black: king g8; queen e2; rook a8; pawns a6/c5/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxc4 — queen e2→c4, captures pawn. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qb8+ — queen b6→b8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxb8 (rook a8→b8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxb8# — rook b1→b8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxb8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/5ppp/pQ6/2pP4/2P5/5P2/P3qP1P/1R4K1 b - - 2 26

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