Chess Puzzle #2QAa1 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king b1; queen d5; rook h1; bishop b3; pawns a2/d4/f2/h4. Black: king g8; queen d2; rooks b8/e6; bishop c8; pawns a7/g7/h7. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qd8+ — queen d5→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Re8 (rook e6→e8).
3. Best move: Qxe8# — queen d8→e8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

back rank mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Qxe8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1rb3k1/p5pp/4r3/3Q4/3P3P/1B6/P2q1P2/1K5R b - - 0 29

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