Chess Puzzle #2I6SQ — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b8; rooks d1/d2; knight f3; pawns a3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b6; rook b3; bishop e6; pawns a6/c3/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb8 — queen b6→b8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d2→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Qxd8 (queen b8→d8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook d1→d8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1Q4k1/5ppp/pq2b3/8/8/Prp2N1P/3R1PP1/3R2K1 b - - 0 28

Solve this puzzle interactively on Brilliant Knight — free tactics training powered by Stockfish 18, no signup required.