Chess Puzzle #25Q4m — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king e2; rooks a1/b3; knight d1; pawns f2/g4/h3. Black: king g8; rooks a8/d4; bishop d7; pawns a4/d5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 2 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: axb3 — pawn a4→b3, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxa8+ — rook a1→a8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Bc8 (bishop d7→c8).
3. Best move: Rxc8# — rook a8→c8, captures bishop, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r5k1/3b1ppp/8/3p4/p2r2P1/1R5P/4KP2/R2N4 b - - 0 39

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