Chess Puzzle #2T4yc — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king g1; queen b5; rook c1; bishop d2; pawns a2/b2/d4/f2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen d7; bishop b8; knight d5; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 3 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Qxb5 — queen d7→b5, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rc8+ — rook c1→c8, gives check. Opponent replies Qe8 (queen b5→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook c8→e8, captures queen, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 1b4k1/p2q1ppp/4p3/1Q1n4/3P4/7P/PP1B1PP1/2R3K1 b - - 3 21

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