Chess Puzzle #2IV2k — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen e3; rook e1; pawns a4/b2/b3/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen c7; rook d8; bishop h5; knight f6; pawns a5/b4/c5/f7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Nd5 — knight f6→d5. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qe8+ — queen e3→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures queen).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, endgame, mate, mate in 2, sacrifice, short. The combination ends with Rxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 3r2k1/2q2ppp/5n2/p1p4b/Pp6/1P2Q2P/1P3PP1/4R1K1 b - - 6 30

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