Chess Puzzle #27GSH — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rooks a1/e1; pawns a3/c4/f2/g3/h2. Black: king h8; rooks a5/f8; bishop f6; pawns c5/d3/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 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: Re8+ — rook e1→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook e8→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/5Qpp/5b2/r1p5/2P5/P2p2P1/5P1P/R3R1K1 b - - 0 32

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