Chess Puzzle #2Emgb — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen f7; rook c1; bishop d2; knight b2; pawns a2/f3/g2/h2. Black: king b8; queen e2; rook h8; bishop f6; pawns a7/b7/d3/e6/g5/h6. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxd2 — queen e2→d2, captures bishop. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qc7+ — queen f7→c7, gives check. Opponent replies Ka8 (king b8→a8).
3. Best move: Qc8+ — queen c7→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxc8 (rook h8→c8, captures queen).
4. Best move: Rxc8# — rook c1→c8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3, sacrifice. The combination ends with Rxc8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1k5r/pp3Q2/4pb1p/6p1/8/3p1P2/PN1Bq1PP/2R3K1 b - - 3 37

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