Chess Puzzle #2U5R9 — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen c6; rook d1; pawns a2/c5/f2/g2. Black: king g8; rook c8; knight f6; pawns a7/e6/f7/g7/h7. White is ahead by 5 points of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxc6 — rook c8→c6, captures queen. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Rd8+ — rook d1→d8, gives check. Opponent replies Ne8 (knight f6→e8).
3. Best move: Rxe8# — rook d8→e8, captures knight, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

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

Position data

FEN: 2r3k1/p4ppp/2Q1pn2/2P5/8/8/P4PPK/3R4 b - - 0 27

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