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

Position

White: king h2; rook f2; bishop g4; pawns a2/b2/d7/g3/g5/h3. Black: king g8; queen c4; bishop a6; pawns a7/b6/c6/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qd4 — queen c4→d4. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Be6+ — bishop g4→e6, gives check. Opponent replies Kh8 (king g8→h8).
3. Best move: Rf8# — rook f2→f8, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 6k1/p2P2pp/bpp5/6P1/2q3B1/6PP/PP3R1K/8 b - - 0 31

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