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

Position

White: king h1; queen d5; rook d1; pawns a2/b2/c3/e4/f3/g2/h2. Black: king g8; queen f2; rooks c4/c8; pawns a6/b5/f4/f6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxd8 (rook c8→d8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/6pp/p4p2/1p1Q4/2r1Pp2/2P2P2/PP3qPP/3R3K b - - 6 30

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