Chess Puzzle #2JL8A — Beginner, White to move, endgame

Position

White: king h2; queen e6; rook g3; pawns c3/g2/h3. Black: king h8; queen c7; rooks f8/h7; pawn d5. Black is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rhf7 — rook h7→f7. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qh6+ — queen e6→h6, gives check. Opponent replies Rh7 (rook f7→h7).
3. Best move: Qxf8# — queen h6→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

deflection, endgame, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Qxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 5r1k/2q4r/4Q3/3p4/8/2P3RP/6PK/8 b - - 0 46

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