Chess Puzzle #2KH2z — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen d8; rooks e1/e6; pawns a2/b3/c2/f5/g2/g3/g4. Black: king h8; queen a7; rook f8; pawns a6/b4/c4/g7/h7. White is ahead by 7 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxd8 — rook f8→d8, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Re8+ — rook e6→e8, gives check. Opponent replies Rxe8 (rook d8→e8, captures rook).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook e1→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 3Q1r1k/q5pp/p3R3/5P2/1pp3P1/1P4P1/P1P3PK/4R3 b - - 0 35

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