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

Position

White: king h1; queen d6; rook f1; pawns a2/b2/e4/g2/h2. Black: king a8; rook d8; bishop c6; pawns a7/b7/g5/h6. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (3 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd6 — rook d8→d6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rf8+ — rook f1→f8, gives check. Opponent replies Be8 (bishop c6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8+ — rook f8→e8, captures bishop, gives check. Opponent replies Rd8 (rook d6→d8).
4. Best move: Rxd8# — rook e8→d8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, long, mate, mate in 3. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: k2r4/pp6/2bQ3p/6p1/4P3/8/PP4PP/5R1K b - - 0 32

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