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

Position

White: king g1; queen b6; rook c6; pawns a2/b3/d4/e5/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen b8; rook c8; pawns a5/d5/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb6 — queen b8→b6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rxc8+ — rook c6→c8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Qd8 (queen b6→d8).
3. Best move: Rxd8# — rook c8→d8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, queen rook endgame, short. The combination ends with Rxd8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1qr3k1/5ppp/1QR1p3/p2pP3/3P4/1P5P/P4PP1/6K1 b - - 0 25

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