Chess Puzzle #25MgX — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rooks a1/f1; pawns a3/e5/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen c4; rooks e6/e8; pawns a7/b6/g7/h7. Material is balanced. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qf8+ — queen f7→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxf8 (rook e8→f8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 4r1k1/p4Qpp/1p2r3/4P3/2q5/P7/6PP/R4RK1 b - - 0 27

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.