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

Position

White: king c1; queen g3; rook d1; knight d6; pawns a2/b2/c2/h2. Black: king b7; queen f6; rook a8; bishop d7; knight c5; pawns a7/b6/c6/e6/h6. Black is ahead by 4 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Ka6 — king b7→a6. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qa3+ — queen g3→a3, gives check. Opponent replies Na4 (knight c5→a4).
3. Best move: Qxa4# — queen a3→a4, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

Anastasia’s mate, mate, mate in 2, middlegame, short. The combination ends with Qxa4# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: r7/pk1b4/1ppNpq1p/2n5/8/6Q1/PPP4P/2KR4 b - - 3 34

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