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

Position

White: king h2; queen e6; rook g3; pawns a2/b2/g2/h3. Black: king g8; queen e5; rooks f7/f8; pawns a7/b7/c7/d6/e7. Black is ahead by 6 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Kh8 — king g8→h8. 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: 5rk1/ppp1pr2/3pQ3/4q3/8/6RP/PP4PK/8 b - - 3 27

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